US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India would stop purchasing Russian oil to help isolate Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. However there is no time frame have been confirmed by Indian Government, according to Trump. Moreover no declaration has been given by Indian Government till date.
Trump Praises Modi and India
Speaking to ANI, Trump praised Modi as a strong and capable leader. “I think they were great… Modi is a great man. He (Sergio Gor) told me that he (PM Modi) loves Trump… I have watched India for years. It’s an incredible country and every single year you would have a new leader. Some would be in there for a few months and this was year after year after year and my friend has been there now for a long time and he’s assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia… He’s not buying his oil from Russia… He can’t do it immediately,” Trump said.
Disagreement Over Russian Oil
The United States has long criticized India for continuing to buy discounted Russian crude, accusing New Delhi of “feeding Russia’s war machine.” In response, Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports.
However, India has consistently defended its oil imports, saying it will make energy decisions based on cost and availability. Indian officials have maintained that the country’s energy security remains a top priority and that it will buy from sources offering the best prices.
Diplomatic Exchanges
Trump’s remarks came soon after Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador-designate to India, met Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. PM Modi posted on X, “Glad to receive Mr. Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the US to India. I’m confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
The meeting aimed to ease tensions between the two countries after months of strain caused by tariffs and disagreements over India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Shift in Trump’s Tone
In recent months, Trump had harshly criticized India for its ties with Russia and China. He even called India’s economy “dead” and accused the US of “losing” New Delhi to China after PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit.
But Trump later softened his stance, calling Modi his “good friend.” His latest statement reflects a renewed effort to improve ties between Washington and New Delhi.