India woke up to major headlines on Thursday morning after US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to stop buying oil from Russia. Trump made the statement at a White House press conference, saying, “Modi assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia.”
His comment came amid ongoing trade talks between India and the U.S., which began after Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports in August. He said the higher duties were necessary because of India’s continued oil trade with Russia, a sticking point in recent negotiations.
Trump’s Remark Raises Eyebrows
Trump told reporters that Modi, his “great friend,” had assured him that India would halt Russian oil imports. “He’s a friend of mine. We have a great relationship... I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step,” Trump said, adding that he now expects China to do the same.
India and China are the two largest buyers of Russian oil. U.S. officials have long argued that India’s imports from Russia rose sharply after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump admitted his claim was “a breaking story,” adding, “He’s not buying his oil from Russia. It’s a process, but it’s going to be over soon.”
Trump Jokes About Modi
During the same press briefing, Trump joked about his friendship with Modi. Referring to Sergio Gor, the U.S. ambassador-designate to India, Trump said, “He loves Trump... I don’t want you to take the word love any differently... I don’t want to destroy his political career,” drawing laughter at the White House.
He went on to praise India’s political stability, saying, “I have watched India for years. It’s an incredible country... and my friend has been there now for a long time. He’s assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia.”
मैं उनका (मोदी) राजनीतिक करियर बर्बाद नहीं करना चाहता… pic.twitter.com/yrhH6RetZ4
— Mr. Kamble (@BJPLIV) October 16, 2025
Opposition in India Reacts
Trump’s claim quickly drew reactions in India. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of being “frightened of Trump” and criticized him for not clarifying the U.S. President’s statements. Gandhi wrote on X that Modi “keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs.”
PM Modi is frightened of Trump.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 16, 2025
1. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil.
2. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs.
3. Canceled the Finance Minister’s visit to America.
4. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh.
5. Doesn’t contradict him…
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also urged the government to refute Trump’s remarks, saying “silence is betrayal.”
India Rejects Trump’s Statement
By Thursday evening, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a firm denial. “India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
He added, “I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders.” The MEA clarified that India’s import policies are guided by national interests, not external pressure.
Jaiswal also noted that India seeks to deepen energy cooperation with the U.S. “We have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement from the U.S., and this has steadily progressed in the last decade,” he said.
Russia Defends Its Oil Trade with India
Amid the controversy, Russia defended its energy ties with India. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said, “India and the U.S. are independent in their decisions, and we do not interfere in those issues. Our oil supplies are very beneficial for the Indian economy and the welfare of the Indian people.”