Donald Trump told reporters that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised a significant policy change: India will stop buying oil from Russia. The comment was made during a brief interview with a U.S. news outlet after Trump met with Modi in Washington, where the two discussed trade and security ties.
According to Trump, Modi said that India will end its purchases of Russian crude and will seek alternative suppliers. The U.S. president said he shared the conversation with senior officials, saying India’s decision “moves the needle toward more balanced trade and security partnerships.” Trump framed the shift as a win for the United States, which has pressured allies to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
India has long maintained a complicated relationship with Russia, buying fuel at discounted prices while maintaining political alliances. Trump argued that cutting Russian oil imports could help U.S. interests, especially as U.S. sanctions, announced last year, seek to curb Russia’s global influence.
Both leaders also discussed the broader U.S.–India strategic partnership, touching on defense cooperation, technology exchange and regional stability. Trump highlighted the need for allies to align on energy security, while Modi reiterated India’s commitment to global trade norms.
The U.S. government has urged European and Asian partners to limit Russian oil purchases, citing the country’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. China has opposed U.S. sanctions, arguing for market freedom. India, meanwhile, has balanced economic ties with both China and Russia as it pursues a diversified energy strategy.
The statement from Trump can be seen as part of a wider push by the U.S. administration to rally allies against Russia. If India follows through on its pledge, Delhi could become a key partner in reducing reliance on Russian energy and strengthening ties with Washington.
Both leaders remain open to further dialogue on these issues, with diplomatic channels already exploring new avenues for cooperation in trade and defense. The United States expects India’s oil policy shift to boost U.S. influence in Asia and signal a stronger collective stance against Russian ambitions in the region.
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