U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India will stop buying oil from Russia, marking a potential turning point in Washington’s efforts to cut off Moscow’s energy revenues amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking at a White House event, Trump said the commitment from India, one of Russia’s biggest oil customers, represented a “big step” toward tightening global pressure on Moscow.
“So I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia,” Trump told reporters. “That’s a big step. Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”
India and China have become the two largest buyers of Russian seaborne crude, benefiting from discounted rates since European nations and the United States imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In September, Russia supplied 1.62 million barrels per day to India, roughly one-third of India’s total oil imports.
The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether Modi had made such a pledge.
Trump’s statement comes as his administration ramps up efforts to economically isolate Russia and push for a negotiated peace settlement in Ukraine.
In recent months, the White House has targeted India with tariffs to discourage its energy trade with Moscow. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports after trade talks stalled, followed by another 25% specifically over its Russian oil imports.
While Trump has been vocal about India’s energy ties with Moscow, he has so far avoided direct pressure on China, citing the complexities of the U.S.-China trade relationship and the risk of escalating tensions.
Later on Wednesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he told Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato that Washington expects Tokyo to also stop importing Russian energy.
“Minister Kato and I discussed important issues pertaining to the U.S.-Japan economic relationship and the Administration’s expectation that Japan stop importing Russian energy,” Bessent wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The Japanese government did not immediately comment.
Trump said India’s phaseout would not happen overnight but would be completed “soon,” describing it as “a little bit of a process.”
Analysts say any move by New Delhi to halt Russian imports would reshape global oil flows and deliver a serious blow to Moscow’s finances, though it could raise energy costs for India.
Benchmark Brent crude prices fell to a five-month low on Wednesday amid market concerns of oversupply, which could help cushion India’s transition away from Russian oil.
The announcement follows a meeting between Modi and Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, in which the two discussed defense, trade, and technology cooperation.
The appointment of Gor, a close Trump ally, has been viewed as a sign of strengthening ties between Washington and New Delhi despite recent trade friction.
If fully implemented, Modi’s reported commitment would mark a significant diplomatic victory for Trump, and a major shift by one of Moscow’s most important economic partners.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
