President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed to ending India’s purchases of Russian oil, a significant development in the US campaign to economically isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Trump stated that Modi assured him of this decision during their discussions, which could mark a pivotal shift in global energy alliances.
Trump made the remarks to reporters in the Oval Office, emphasizing that the halt in oil purchases would occur “within a short period of time” and described it as “a big stop.” He expressed satisfaction with Modi’s assurance, noting that India had been a major buyer of discounted Russian crude, which has been a point of contention in US-India relations. The US president also mentioned that he needs to persuade China to take similar action, highlighting the broader strategy to cut off Moscow’s energy funding.
In response to Trump’s claims, an Indian government spokesman indicated that discussions with the US administration are ongoing and highlighted India’s priority to protect the interests of Indian consumers in a volatile energy market. The spokesman stated that India’s import policies are guided solely by this objective, suggesting a cautious approach to any abrupt changes and implying that the transition may not be immediate.
The announcement comes amid heightened trade tensions between the US and India, with the Trump administration imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods in August. Trump has characterized these tariffs as punishment for India’s continued dealings with Russia, including oil and weapons purchases, which he argues fund Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. These levies are among the highest in the world and have significantly impacted Indian exports to the US.
Trump’s administration is also pushing other allies, such as Japan, to cease imports of Russian energy. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent communicated this expectation to visiting Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato on Wednesday, as part of a coordinated effort to pressure Russia economically. This multi-front approach aims to isolate Moscow and force an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, has relied heavily on Russian crude oil, often buying it at a discount to support its growing energy needs. A sudden cessation could impact India’s economy and energy security, raising questions about how quickly the transition can be managed without disrupting supply. Indian officials have previously argued that their purchases help stabilize global oil prices and benefit consumers.
Prime Minister Modi has maintained that India is neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Indian officials have criticized the US for what they see as a double standard, noting that American and European companies continue to trade with Russia. Modi’s stance reflects India’s strategic autonomy and its historical relationship with Russia.
The potential halt in Russian oil imports by India could have far-reaching implications for global energy markets and diplomatic relations. If implemented, it would represent a victory for Trump’s foreign policy and could accelerate efforts to end the war in Ukraine by cutting off key funding sources for Moscow. The next steps will involve monitoring how India executes this commitment and its impact on international dynamics.