Trump Claims India Will Slash Russian Oil Imports to ‘Almost Nothing’
US President Donald Trump has asserted that India will dramatically reduce its Russian oil imports to “almost nothing” by year-end, citing a personal assurance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks the first time Trump has provided a specific timeline for the reduction.
Key Takeaways
- Trump claims India will cut Russian oil imports to “almost nothing” by December
- The President cited a phone conversation with PM Modi as his source
- Indian government maintains energy decisions are based on domestic needs
White House Statements
Speaking during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump described the reduction as a gradual process that would ensure global market stability. “India, as you know, told me that they would stop. It is a process; you can’t just stop it. But by the end of the year, they will be down to almost nothing. That’s a big thing,” the President told reporters.
Trump praised India’s cooperation, stating: “India has been great. Spoke to Prime Minister Modi yesterday, and they have been absolutely great.”
Diwali Event Remarks
During White House Diwali celebrations attended by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and other officials, Trump revealed he had discussed trade with PM Modi while extending festival wishes. He reiterated that the Indian leader had reassured him about reducing Russian oil purchases.
“We just have a very good relationship, and he’s not going to buy much oil from Russia,” Trump said, adding that PM Modi “wants to see that war end” between Russia and Ukraine.
India’s Official Position
These claims come despite New Delhi’s consistent position that it makes energy decisions to “safeguard the interests of Indian consumers in a volatile energy scenario.” The Indian government has maintained that its energy imports are determined by domestic demand requirements rather than external pressure.
