Former President Donald Trump has declared that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed to halting India's purchases of Russian oil, as the U.S. ramps up efforts to exert economic pressure on the Kremlin to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump reported that Modi assured him India would cease its imports 'within a short period of time,' referring to this agreement as 'a big stop.'
A spokeswoman for the Indian embassy in Washington D.C. declined to comment, as diplomatic tensions have emerged between the U.S. and India over oil purchases amidst a broader U.S.-China trade war.
Oil and gas comprise Russia's largest exports, with major customers including India, China, and Turkey. Trump expressed the urgency to extend similar measures to China during his remarks from the Oval Office.
The Trump administration is not limited to India; it has also urged Japan to halt importing Russian energy, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent communicating expectations to the Japanese Finance Minister on this matter.
Trump acknowledged that while Modi cannot 'immediately' stop oil shipments, he insisted the process would soon be completed.
In retaliation for India's continued Russian oil imports, the Trump administration has imposed significant tariffs on Indian goods, framing these tariffs as punitive measures for India's actions.
Despite these pressures, Modi has maintained India's neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, citing ongoing relationships with both the U.S. and Russia.
Officials in India have refuted claims from the Trump administration that they are profiting from the war, illustrating their reliance on Russian crude oil imports for economic stability.
The tension over Russian oil imports has complicated U.S.-India relations. Nevertheless, Trump has offered praise for Modi's leadership in discussions on trade negotiations.
