New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that India will stop purchasing oil from Russia, asserting that the decision was personally conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement came during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, drawing renewed attention to the complex geopolitics of global energy trade.
Trump said that India “is not going to be buying Russian oil anymore,” while noting that the process would take time to complete. He added that efforts were already underway to phase out the imports soon. Comparing India’s position to that of certain European nations, he said that while countries such as Hungary face logistical challenges due to their dependence on a single land pipeline, India’s maritime access gives it greater flexibility to diversify its oil sources.
This latest remark echoes Trump’s earlier claims on the same issue, which were met with a cautious but firm response from New Delhi. At the time, India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no such discussion had taken place between the two leaders. The ministry reaffirmed that India’s energy policy is guided by national interests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stable prices and secure supplies for Indian consumers.
India has continued to source discounted crude from Russia to safeguard its economic stability amid global oil market volatility. Despite some month-to-month fluctuations driven by price dynamics, Russia remains India’s largest crude supplier, accounting for about one-third of total imports.
Trump’s renewed comments come as Washington and New Delhi continue trade talks, with the US administration seeking to persuade India to gradually reduce its reliance on Russian energy. Analysts suggest that while India has diversified its supply network, it remains cautious about making abrupt shifts that could impact its energy security and economic balance.
