President Trump has stated that India is actively “de-escalating” its reliance on Russian oil and is on the verge of stopping purchases altogether. He made these remarks while hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, emphasizing the strategic importance of such a move. Trump projected that India’s previous procurement of Russian oil, at around 38%, would soon cease.
Earlier in the week, Trump had publicly stated that he had received confirmation from India that they would stop buying Russian oil, though he understood this would be a gradual process. “The process is going to be over with soon, and all we want from President Putin is…stop this,” Trump said, linking India’s energy decision to a potential resolution of the conflict. He also suggested that India would likely resume oil purchases from Russia after the war concludes.
Trump expressed admiration for India and its leader, referring to Prime Minister Modi as a “great man.” However, official Indian sources have refuted Trump’s claims of a direct conversation. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson stated unequivocally that “there has been no discussion between the Prime Minister and President Trump” on the matter, directing inquiries to a previously issued statement on energy policy.
While India’s trade with Russia in the energy sector has grown, China remains Moscow’s primary energy partner. Past US administrations, including Trump’s, have taken action against countries for importing Russian oil. These developments occur as India’s trade delegation is in Washington for critical talks, further underscored by recent high-level meetings between the new US ambassador and Indian officials.