WASHINGTON D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given him a personal assurance that India would cease all purchases of oil from Russia. The claim, made by Trump during a White House event, signals a potentially massive turning point in global energy politics and the economic isolation campaign against Moscow.
Speaking to reporters, Trump characterized the alleged commitment as a “big step” toward efforts to economically isolate Russia amid its ongoing military action in Ukraine.
”So I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia,” Trump stated. “That’s a big step. Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”
India, one of the world’s largest energy consumers, became a crucial buyer of discounted Russian crude following the imposition of Western sanctions. A halt to these purchases would mark a significant blow to Moscow’s oil revenues and could influence the buying decisions of other nations currently importing Russian crude.
While the Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to inquiries to confirm whether PM Modi had made such a commitment, Trump suggested the move would not be instantaneous. He added that India could not “immediately” halt shipments, describing it as “a little bit of a process, but that process will be over soon.”
The statement comes as Washington continues to intensify diplomatic efforts to choke off Moscow’s oil revenues, shifting the calculus for nations balancing diplomatic ties with affordable energy needs.
