Trump Claims Modi Promised to Stop Buying Russian Oil as US-India Trade Tensions Rise and Energy Security Concerns Grow

Advertisment

US President Donald Trump claimed on October 15 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India will stop buying oil from Russia. He described the pledge as a major diplomatic step to cut off Moscow’s energy revenue.

Trump told reporters: “He assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia. You can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon.”

He framed this as part of a broader push to force Moscow’s isolation, and stated he would next target China for a similar commitment.

Advertisment

India yet to Confirm Trump’s Statement

Trump also flagged his displeasure at India’s past purchases of Russian crude oil, saying such trade helped fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

India has not confirmed Trump’s account. The Indian government, including its embassy in Washington, have stayed silent on whether Modi made such a promise.

Analysts point out that cutting Russian oil imports would strain India’s energy security. Russia currently supplies a large share of India’s imports at discounted rates.

Advertisment

Some Indian refiners are reportedly preparing to reduce their Russian crude intake gradually, according to industry sources.

Trade Tensions and Energy Diplomacy


The claim emerges amid escalating trade tensions between the US and India. Trump previously hiked tariffs on Indian goods, first to 25%, then to 50%, citing India’s ties to Russian oil.

Officials in India have defended the nation’s Russian oil purchases as necessary for economic stability amid global volatility. They have rejected US pressure as a double standard, noting that Western countries continue trade with Russia.

Advertisment

The diplomacy between Trump and Modi also included recent engagements: Modi spoke with Trump on October 9 about trade and regional peace initiatives.

If India does follow through, it could mark a significant shift in global energy flows. Without confirmed agreement from New Delhi, the claim remains unverified