U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India will stop purchasing oil from Russia, a statement that has stirred diplomatic ripples between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said he was “unhappy” with India’s continued oil trade with Moscow but that the issue had now been resolved.
“Prime Minister Modi assured me that India will soon stop buying oil from Russia,” Trump said. “They can’t halt it immediately, but they will end it soon.”
The claim comes just weeks after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on countries continuing to import Russian crude, a move that heavily impacted India’s energy trade.
According to Trump, the new understanding marks a “positive development” in U.S.–India relations, but New Delhi’s response has cast doubt on that assertion.
In a strongly worded statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs denied the U.S. president’s remarks, saying:
“No such assurance was given. India’s energy decisions are based on national interests and energy security.”
Analysts believe this episode underscores the growing friction between Washington and New Delhi despite their strategic partnership. While the U.S. views India as a key counterbalance to China, India continues to maintain robust defense and energy ties with Russia, a relationship that remains vital to its long-term policy goals.
Observers say the controversy reflects the delicate balancing act both nations face — the U.S. seeking loyalty amid global realignments, and India striving to preserve its strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarized world.
