President Donald Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil. The announcement came as the United States stepped up efforts to limit Moscow’s energy income and increase pressure over the war in Ukraine.
Trump told reporters that Modi assured him India would halt Russian oil purchases “within a short period of time.” He described the commitment as “a big stop.”
Washington steps up pressure on New Delhi
The US president has used India’s reliance on Russian oil as leverage in trade discussions. So far, India has resisted the pressure, insisting its energy policy follows domestic interests.
An Indian government spokesman said discussions with Washington were “ongoing.” He confirmed that the US had shown “interest in deepening energy co-operation with India.”
“Our main priority is to protect Indian consumers in a volatile global energy market,” the spokesman stated. “Our import policies are guided entirely by this goal.”
America targets Moscow’s oil profits
Oil and gas remain Russia’s most valuable exports, with China, India and Turkey among its largest customers. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said his next objective was to persuade China to take similar action. He framed the move as part of a larger plan to cut Moscow’s energy income.
The Trump administration has also urged Japan to end its purchases of Russian oil and gas. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had shared this expectation with visiting Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato.
India’s gradual shift under US tariffs
Trump admitted India could not immediately stop its Russian oil imports. “It will take a little bit of a process,” he said. “But the process will be over soon.”
The US has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, which Trump described as punishment for buying Russian oil and weapons. The tariffs, among the world’s highest, took effect in August. They include a 25% penalty on transactions linked to Russia, which remain vital for financing its war in Ukraine.
Neutral stance adds tension to US-India ties
Modi has maintained India’s neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict while keeping close ties with President Vladimir Putin. Indian officials have accused Washington of double standards, pointing to ongoing Western trade with Russia.
India continues to rely on discounted Russian crude to support its fast-growing economy, now the fifth largest in the world.
The oil dispute has strained relations between Trump and Modi. Still, Trump praised Modi on Wednesday as a “great man.” Modi said last week that he had spoken with Trump and that both leaders “reviewed good progress achieved in trade negotiations.”
