Trump says Modi has agreed to end Russian oil imports

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil, marking a potential shift in India’s stance as Washington intensifies efforts to cut off Moscow’s energy revenues amid the war in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Modi assured him that India would end its Russian oil purchases “within a short period of time,” calling it “a big stop.” He added that he now hoped to persuade China to take similar action.

The Indian embassy in Washington declined to comment on the statement. India has so far maintained a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, continuing to import discounted Russian crude to support its growing economy — the world’s fifth largest.

Trump has previously criticized India’s continued energy and defense trade with Russia, imposing 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods in August as what he described as “punishment” for the purchases. The tariffs include an additional 25 percent penalty on transactions linked to Russian entities, which the Trump administration says fund Moscow’s war efforts.

Trump acknowledged that India could not immediately halt oil imports but said the transition would be “a process that will be over soon.”

The U.S. president said his administration is also pressuring Japan to suspend imports of Russian oil and gas, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conveying that expectation to visiting Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato earlier on Wednesday.

India has pushed back against U.S. criticism, calling it a double standard given that several Western nations continue limited trade with Russia. Modi has defended his country’s energy policy as essential for economic stability and growth.

Despite the ongoing friction, Trump struck a conciliatory tone toward Modi, calling him “a great man.” Modi, for his part, said last week that he had a “positive discussion” with Trump and that both leaders reviewed “good progress” in ongoing trade negotiations.