Photo credit: New Indian Express
US President Donald Trump has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has assured him that his country will stop purchasing oil from Russia.
Trump hailed the move as a “big step” in isolating Russia economically amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump had said the United States was “not happy” that India was purchasing Russian crude. He argued that such imports were helping finance President Vladimir Putin’s war.
However, the US president said India could not stop shipments immediately but added that the phase-out was already underway.
He called Modi “a great man” and “a friend.” He went on to praise the Indian leader’s long tenure and political stability.
India is the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels after China, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Meanwhile, Putin said, “If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer a certain loss. The people of a country like India will closely monitor the decisions made by the political leadership and will never allow any humiliation in front of anyone.”
India has consistently defended its position, saying its energy decisions are guided by national security and affordable concerns, and that its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains “independent and balanced.”
