🇮🇳 Trump Says Modi Agrees to Halt Russian Oil Imports Amid Rising U.S.-India Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying oil from Russia, marking what he described as a major breakthrough in Washington’s effort to economically isolate the Kremlin and end the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had received assurances from Modi that India would cease purchasing Russian crude “within a short period of time,” calling it “a big stop.”
The move, if confirmed, would represent a significant shift in India’s foreign and energy policies. New Delhi has so far resisted American pressure, maintaining that its oil purchases are guided by economic necessity and national interest rather than geopolitical alignment.
India Balances Energy Security and Diplomacy
Reacting to Trump’s statement, an Indian government spokesperson said that discussions with the U.S. are ongoing, adding that Washington has “shown interest in deepening energy co-operation with India.”
“Our consistent priority is to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers in a volatile energy market. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective,” the spokesperson emphasized.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has relied heavily on discounted Russian crude since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. With global energy prices surging, these purchases have helped cushion the Indian economy — which remains highly dependent on imported energy — from inflationary pressures.
Oil and gas account for the largest share of Russia’s export revenues, and Moscow’s main buyers include China, India, and Turkey. Cutting off India’s purchases could further weaken Russia’s ability to finance its ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
Trump Turns Up the Pressure on Moscow’s Allies
President Trump’s remarks are part of his broader push to choke off Russia’s energy income and isolate Moscow economically. “Now I’ve got to get China to do the same thing,” Trump said from the Oval Office, underscoring Washington’s effort to convince all major buyers to end Russian oil imports.
China, however, appeared unmoved by the U.S. appeal. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson defended Beijing’s position, saying the country maintains “normal, legitimate economic, trade, and energy co-operation with countries around the world, including Russia.”
The Kremlin quickly responded, insisting that Russia continues to offer high-quality crude oil at competitive prices. A Russian official said any restrictions imposed on buying its oil would violate the “principles of free trade” and harm the global economy.
U.S. Expands Diplomatic Push to Japan and Beyond
The Trump administration is also pressing other key allies to scale back their energy ties with Moscow. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had communicated Washington’s “expectation” that Japan should halt its oil and gas imports from Russia, during a meeting with Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato in Washington on Wednesday.
According to Trump, India will not be able to end Russian oil purchases “immediately,” but he insisted the shift would come soon. “It’s a little bit of a process,” he said. “But the process is going to be over with soon.”
Tariffs Deepen Trade Friction Between Washington and New Delhi
The push against Russian oil is just one of several flashpoints in the increasingly tense U.S.-India relationship. Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed massive 50% tariffs on Indian goods, which Trump characterized as punishment for New Delhi’s continued trade with Russia.
The tariffs — among the highest levied by any major economy — took effect in August. They include a 25% penalty specifically targeting transactions involving Russian energy and defense equipment.
These measures are part of Trump’s wider “America First” trade policy, aimed at forcing countries to align with U.S. strategic goals while reducing America’s trade deficits.
Modi Holds Firm, Defends India’s Neutrality
Despite mounting pressure from Washington, Prime Minister Modi has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, describing India’s position as one of “strategic autonomy.”
Modi has argued that India’s priority is energy security and economic stability for its 1.4 billion citizens. He has also emphasized that New Delhi’s relationship with Moscow — which includes long-standing defense and energy ties — is based on mutual benefit, not political endorsement.
For months, India has continued to buy Russian oil at discounted rates, arguing that Western countries, including the U.S. and several in Europe, still maintain indirect trade with Russia through intermediaries.
Indian officials have frequently accused the Trump administration of double standards, pointing out that European nations have continued importing Russian natural gas even as they criticize India’s crude purchases.
Strained Friendship: Trump and Modi at a Crossroads
The dispute over Russian oil has tested what was once a close personal rapport between Trump and Modi, often showcased at high-profile public events. The two leaders appeared together at several rallies before their relationship soured over trade and energy disagreements.
Still, Trump struck a conciliatory tone on Wednesday, describing Modi as “a great man” and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-India partnership.
“India is a very important country. Prime Minister Modi and I have had our differences, but I respect him a lot,” Trump said.
Indian officials confirmed that the two leaders recently spoke by phone. Modi later said they “reviewed good progress achieved in trade negotiations” and discussed expanding cooperation in energy and defense.
However, analysts believe that Washington’s tariffs and pressure tactics could push India to deepen its partnerships with Russia and other non-Western nations such as China and Iran.
“India doesn’t want to be seen as aligning fully with any bloc,” said foreign policy expert Dr. Meera Menon. “It’s trying to walk a fine line between protecting its economic interests and maintaining global relationships.”
The Road Ahead: Balancing Energy, Politics, and Global Pressure
As both nations navigate this high-stakes standoff, the coming months could define the future of U.S.-India relations and the broader global energy landscape.
If India reduces its reliance on Russian crude, it would mark a major diplomatic win for the Trump administration and a shift in global oil markets. But if Delhi continues to resist, the friction could escalate into a full-blown trade conflict between two of the world’s largest democracies.
Either way, the world will be watching closely as Washington and New Delhi try to strike a balance between energy security, economic policy, and geopolitical strategy — all under the shadow of an ongoing war in Europe.