The WHITE House
US President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil as part of Washington’s efforts to cut off the Kremlin’s key energy revenues and end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump told reporters at the White House that he had received assurances from Modi that India would halt its purchases “within a short period of time,” calling it “a big stop.” The move marks a significant development in Washington’s campaign to isolate Moscow economically.
India Under Pressure Amid Ongoing Trade Dispute
The US president has repeatedly attempted to leverage India’s energy ties with Russia in his wider trade confrontation with New Delhi. However, the Indian government has resisted, maintaining that its energy policy prioritizes national interests and consumer stability.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, an Indian foreign ministry spokesperson said that discussions were “ongoing” with the US administration, which had “shown interest in deepening energy co-operation with India.”
“Our consistent priority remains to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario,” the spokesperson added. “Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective.”
Russia’s Energy Exports Under Renewed Scrutiny
Oil and gas are the backbone of Russia’s export economy, with its biggest customers including China, India, and Turkey. Trump emphasized that Washington is now turning its attention to Beijing, saying, “Now I’ve got to get China to do the same thing.”
The US administration is also urging Japan to reduce or cease its imports of Russian energy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that he communicated this “expectation” to visiting Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato during a meeting on Wednesday.
Trump: “A Gradual But Firm Process”
Acknowledging the challenges of transition, Trump said that India could not “immediately” halt oil shipments from Russia. He described the shift as “a little bit of a process,” but stressed that “the process is going to be over with soon.”
The remarks highlight the Trump administration’s growing impatience with nations continuing to trade with Russia despite the West’s sanctions and pressure campaigns.
50% Tariffs on Indian Goods Deepen Tensions
The development comes amid escalating trade tensions between the two countries. The Trump administration has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods — among the steepest in the world — describing them as a punitive measure against Delhi for maintaining its purchases of Russian oil and weapons.
The tariffs, which took effect in August, include an additional 25% penalty on transactions involving Russia, aimed at cutting financial flows that Washington says are fueling Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
India’s Neutral Stance on Ukraine
Prime Minister Modi has consistently defended India’s neutral position regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, citing long-standing strategic ties with Moscow. Indian officials have also accused Washington of hypocrisy, pointing out that the US and European nations continue to conduct selective trade with Russia while criticizing others.
India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, relies heavily on discounted Russian crude oil to stabilize domestic fuel prices and sustain its economic growth.
Diplomatic Strain with a Hint of Respect
The dispute over Russian oil has introduced new strains in the relationship between Trump and Modi, though both leaders continue to publicly emphasize mutual respect and cooperation.
Despite the tensions, Trump on Wednesday described Modi as a “great man” and acknowledged progress in bilateral relations. Modi, in a statement last week, said that he had spoken with Trump and that both leaders “reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations.”
The ongoing talks are expected to shape the future trajectory of India-US relations, which now stand at a critical juncture amid overlapping trade, energy, and geopolitical challenges.
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