Trump Says Modi Vows To End Indian Purchases Of Russian Oil Amid U.S. Pressure Campaign
Key Facts
- India reportedly agrees to halt Russian oil imports after Trump’s tariff pressure
- Move, if confirmed, would deal a major blow to Moscow’s war financing
- Russia and India both issue statements suggesting continued cooperation
- Trump to meet Zelenskyy amid push to end Ukraine war through economic isolation
by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured him that India will stop buying Russian oil — a move that, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in global energy alliances and strengthen Trump’s efforts to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “So I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step. Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”
The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and India’s Foreign Ministry later issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to maintaining “stable energy prices and secure supply” — but did not directly address Trump’s remarks.
India is the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian crude, after China. Any suspension of those purchases would deal a major blow to Moscow’s energy revenue, which has been used to fund the ongoing war in Ukraine. The shift would also be seen as a diplomatic victory for Trump, who has struggled to force an end to the four-year-old conflict.
Trump acknowledged that India’s reduction in Russian oil imports would not take effect immediately, calling it “a little bit of a process,” but said the transition would be completed “within a short period of time.” He added that India could resume purchases “after the war is over.”
Tariffs and Diplomatic Pressure
The reported assurance from Modi came just weeks after Trump doubled tariffs on most Indian exports to the U.S. — raising them to 50 percent — in retaliation for India’s continued oil trade with Moscow. Washington accused New Delhi of helping to “fund the war in Ukraine” through those purchases, a charge India has rejected as hypocritical, pointing to ongoing Western trade with Russia.
India had sought to mend relations with Washington following the tariff hikes. Modi met with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor in New Delhi on October 11, just hours after Gor’s arrival.
Kremlin Pushes Back
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak dismissed Trump’s remarks, telling state news agency TASS that Russia’s “friendly partners” like India would continue to cooperate.
“Our energy resources are in demand, economically beneficial, and practical,” Novak said. “I am confident that our partners will keep working with us.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed that sentiment, saying countries like India would make decisions based on their own economic interests. “Ultimately, it’s about what benefits their citizens,” Peskov said. “Russia is in a position to offer high-quality products at low prices.”
Global Ripple Effects
The Trump administration has also been pressuring Japan and China to halt Russian energy imports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato this week to press for a similar commitment, while warning that tariffs on Chinese goods could follow if Beijing continues its Russian oil purchases.
Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, as he continues efforts to push Russia toward negotiations. “He [Putin] is the primary obstacle,” Trump told reporters, adding that the U.S. would use “every tool” — economic and diplomatic — to bring the conflict to a close.
Kremlin officials, meanwhile, have downplayed Trump’s warnings of economic “collapse,” insisting Russia’s reserves remain strong enough to sustain its war aims.
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