Donald Trump Praises PM Modi for Considerably Reducing Russian Oil Imports, Hints at 2026 India Visit

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During a White House media interaction on Friday, US President Donald Trump announced that he may visit India in 2026. He also mentioned that the trade talks with India are going well and that India has largely stopped the purchase of Russian crude oil. Trump also praised PM Modi’s move and called him a “great man” and a “friend”. 

Impact of Russian Oil on Bilateral Trade Negotiations

India’s purchase of Russian oil is one of the central issues in the ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US. It also led President Donald Trump to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods. He claimed that Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine were funded indirectly by India's oil trade. As a result, heavy duties were imposed on India by the Trump government as a penalty.

Trump demanded that India cease or significantly reduce its Russian oil trade. India, however, defended its imports, saying its energy needs are guided by market forces. The US sanctions on Russia's Rosneft and Lukoil resulted in major Indian refiners ceasing future Russian oil orders, potentially removing a major hurdle for the long-pending India-US trade deal.

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Trump's Personal Rapport with PM Modi and 2026 Visit Prospect

US President Donald Trump frequently affirmed his strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He described PM Modi as a "great person" and a "great friend" on several occasions. Trump’s tone shifted positively towards India after a period of strained relations over tariffs.

He said, “They (trade talks with India) are going good, he stopped buying oil from Russia largely. He is a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there. We will figure that out, I will go...”

Trump has publicly praised PM Modi's leadership and long tenure in office. The US President also hinted at his possible visit to India, potentially in 2026, saying, "He is a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there". This prospect for a visit comes amid ongoing trade discussions and improved atmospherics between the two leaders. The strong personal ties are seen as key to restoring the bilateral relationship.

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