India will stop buying oil from Russia, Prime Minister Modi assured Trump
The Chronify
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that Delhi will no longer purchase oil from Moscow
Trump described this move as a major step toward economically isolating Moscow.
Speaking to reporters at a White House event, Trump said, “I wasn’t happy that India was buying oil from Russia. Today, Modi assured me that they will stop purchasing oil from Russia.”
Trump further stated, "This is a big step. Now we will also force China to do the same."
Meanwhile, when asked via email whether Prime Minister Modi indeed made such a promise to Trump, the Indian Embassy in Washington did not respond immediately.
India's pledge to stop buying Russian oil could mark a significant turning point in global energy diplomacy, as Washington continues its efforts to cut off Moscow’s oil revenues amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
India is one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, so this move signals a major shift by one of Moscow’s top energy clients.
According to Reuters, quoting Trump, the change will not take effect immediately, but it will happen within a short period.
Previously, the U.S. President imposed a 50% tariff on India, the highest in the world, including an additional 25% specifically due to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that U.S. pressure on India and China to cut trade ties with Moscow could be economically damaging.
