Trump Says Modi Pledged to Halt Russian Oil Imports, Calls It a Key Step for US-India Relations

In a fresh statement that could reshape global energy diplomacy, President Donald Trump announced that India plans to stop importing oil from Russia. Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him of the move during recent discussions, calling it “a big step” and “the right decision.”

Trump added that he was pleased with Modi’s commitment and now intends to urge China to take similar action. “I share a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said, noting that the change would not be immediate but is already “in process.”

The remarks come as the US tightens tariffs on Indian imports, reaching nearly 50 percent, including additional duties related to Russian oil purchases. Washington has repeatedly pushed New Delhi to reduce its reliance on Moscow since the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine war.

Recently, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India was already diversifying its oil sources, describing the country’s approach as pragmatic. He emphasized that the US “is not dictating” India’s foreign policy, acknowledging New Delhi’s right to make independent decisions.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Western pressure on India and China, warning that such tactics could backfire economically. He said India would “never accept humiliation” in its global dealings and cautioned against undermining long-standing trade relations.

The claim marks a new phase in US-India relations, blending strategic cooperation with growing expectations that India will align more closely with Western energy policies.