Trump Says Modi Agreed to Cut Russian Oil Imports Amid Push to End Ukraine War
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that India has agreed to significantly reduce its imports of Russian crude oil, following what he described as a “positive and constructive” conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Trump told reporters on Tuesday that Modi had assured him during a phone call that India “was not going to buy much oil from Russia,” adding that the Indian leader “wants to see the war end between Russia and Ukraine.”
The comments came during the White House’s Diwali celebrations, where Trump highlighted the “strong bond” between Washington and New Delhi, emphasizing ongoing cooperation on trade and energy security.
India’s Diplomatic Silence on Trump’s Claim
While Modi acknowledged Trump’s call and sent his “warm Diwali greetings” via social media, he made no reference to Russian oil or any pledge to reduce purchases. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also refrained from confirming or denying Trump’s latest claim.
Last week, Trump made a similar statement suggesting Modi had promised to cut oil imports from Moscow, but the Indian foreign ministry said at the time that it was “not aware” of any such phone conversation. On Wednesday, a senior Indian official told the BBC there were “no new comments” on the matter, leaving the claim unverified from the Indian side.
Trump: ‘India Wants to See the War End’
“I spoke to Prime Minister Modi today, as I mentioned before. We just have a very good relationship,” Trump said. “He’s not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see the war end with Russia and Ukraine. They’ve already cut their oil imports way back and are continuing to do so.”
The U.S. president’s comments come as Washington continues to pressure countries buying Russian energy, aiming to isolate Moscow economically and weaken its ability to fund the war in Ukraine.
India’s Oil Ties with Russia: A Complex Equation
Since Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow in early 2022, India emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian oil. This move was driven by the country’s need to secure affordable energy for its massive population amid rising global prices.
Delhi has consistently defended its oil purchases, arguing that energy security is a top national priority. Indian officials have also highlighted what they see as Western hypocrisy — noting that several European countries, as well as the U.S., have continued limited trade with Russia in other sectors despite sanctions.
“India buys oil where it’s most affordable for its people,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said in the past. “Our moral obligation is to the Indian consumer.”
U.S. Pressure and Tariff Tensions
In recent months, U.S. officials have accused India of indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort by continuing to purchase Russian crude, a claim Delhi strongly denies. The Trump administration has intensified diplomatic and economic pressure on India, urging it to diversify away from Russian energy supplies.
As part of this strategy, the U.S. has imposed higher tariffs — including a 50% duty on certain Indian goods, with an additional 25% penalty tied to the continued import of Russian oil. Washington hopes this economic pressure will incentivize Delhi to reduce its purchases and align more closely with Western sanctions.
However, analysts say the move risks complicating trade relations between the two countries at a critical time.
A Shift in Tone Amid Trade Negotiations
Despite his firm stance, Trump’s tone toward India has softened recently as trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi progress.
Last week, a spokesperson for India’s commerce ministry confirmed that discussions were “ongoing” and that the U.S. had “shown interest in expanding energy cooperation with India.”
Trump himself has indicated optimism about reaching a “win-win” trade deal, saying, “We’re making tremendous progress with India. They’re great partners, and we want fair trade on both sides.”
The talks are aimed at resolving long-standing trade disputes, improving market access, and boosting cooperation in the renewable energy and technology sectors. A breakthrough agreement could be announced in the coming months, according to Indian media reports.
India’s Strategic Balancing Act
India’s energy relationship with Russia remains deeply strategic. Moscow supplies more than 20% of India’s crude imports, offering deep discounts compared to global market prices. This partnership has not only helped India manage inflation and fuel costs but has also reinforced its diplomatic independence on the world stage.
Delhi has repeatedly stressed that its oil policy is guided by national interest — not external pressure. Officials argue that cutting ties with Russia overnight would jeopardize India’s energy security and strain its economy, especially as it transitions to cleaner energy sources.
Moreover, India maintains strong defense and diplomatic relations with Moscow, including joint military ventures and long-term cooperation in technology and space exploration.
Washington’s Broader Strategy
For Washington, reducing global reliance on Russian energy remains a central pillar of its strategy to weaken the Kremlin’s war machinery. The U.S. and its allies have sought to cap Russian oil prices, block key energy transactions, and sanction entities that help Moscow evade restrictions.
By persuading major importers like India to scale back purchases, the U.S. hopes to further erode Russia’s revenue base. But experts warn that such measures could backfire if they alienate crucial partners like India and push them closer to rival powers such as China.
“India’s role is pivotal,” said a former U.S. State Department official. “Washington needs New Delhi on its side — not just as a buyer of Western technology, but as a democratic counterweight to China in Asia.”
Possible Middle Ground
According to a report in Mint, sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations suggested that India may agree to “gradually reduce” its imports of Russian oil as part of a broader trade package with the U.S. The phased approach would allow Delhi to avoid sudden disruptions while maintaining its commitment to affordable energy.
“India may not cut ties entirely, but it could scale back purchases over time,” one source told the newspaper. “That would send a positive signal to Washington without hurting domestic stability.”
If confirmed, the compromise would represent a pragmatic balance — preserving India’s energy interests while reinforcing its strategic partnership with the United States.
Looking Ahead
As Trump continues to push for a diplomatic end to the Russia-Ukraine war, India’s position as a major energy consumer and geopolitical influencer remains under close watch.
While the White House portrays Modi’s alleged commitment as a diplomatic win, New Delhi’s silence reflects its cautious approach — one that prioritizes national interest while navigating growing international expectations.
Whether or not Trump’s claim proves accurate, the issue underscores the delicate dance India performs on the global stage: balancing economic pragmatism with diplomatic principles in a world increasingly defined by shifting alliances and strategic rivalry.