President Donald Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to end India’s purchases of Russian oil. The announcement came as Washington increased efforts to squeeze Moscow’s energy income and pressure the Kremlin over its war in Ukraine.
Trump told reporters he had received Modi’s commitment that India would stop importing Russian oil “within a short period of time.” He described the decision as “a big stop.”
Washington’s pressure campaign on New Delhi
The US president has tried to use India’s dependence on Russian oil as leverage in wider trade talks. So far, New Delhi has resisted, insisting that its energy policy serves domestic needs.
An Indian government spokesman confirmed that discussions with Washington were “ongoing.” He said the US had shown “interest in strengthening energy co-operation with India.”
“Our top priority is to protect Indian consumers in a volatile global market,” the spokesman said. “Our import policies are based entirely on that objective.”
Cutting off Moscow’s oil revenue
Oil and gas remain Russia’s most valuable exports, with China, India and Turkey among its key customers. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said his next goal was to convince China to make the same commitment. He described the effort as part of a larger plan to reduce Moscow’s energy revenue.
The Trump administration has also urged Japan to stop importing Russian oil and gas. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had expressed this expectation to Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato during his visit to Washington.
India faces tariffs and a gradual transition
Trump admitted that 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 United States 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, came into effect in August. They include a 25% penalty on transactions linked to Russia, a key source of funding for its war in Ukraine.
Neutral stance strains US-India relations
Modi has continued to defend India’s neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine war while keeping close ties with President Vladimir Putin. Indian officials have accused Washington of double standards, pointing to ongoing Western trade with Russia.
India relies heavily on discounted Russian crude to support its expanding economy, now the fifth largest in the world.
The disagreement over Russian oil has strained relations between Trump and Modi. Still, Trump praised Modi on Wednesday, calling him a “great man.” Modi said last week that he had spoken with Trump and that both leaders “reviewed good progress achieved in trade negotiations.”
