U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has assured him India will cease purchasing Russian oil,
aiming to curb Moscow's energy revenues amid the Ukraine conflict. However, New
Delhi has neither confirmed nor denied the claim, stating its priority remains
securing energy for Indian consumers in a fluctuating market.
Trump Announces Modi's Assurance on Russian Oil Purchase Halt
As reported by David Brunnstrom of Reuters, on October 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump declared at a White House event that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to stop buying oil from Russia. Trump described the commitment as "a significant step" towards reducing Moscow's oil income, which the U.S. administration views as crucial for pressuring Russia to engage in peace negotiations over Ukraine. Trump also indicated plans to persuade China to follow a similar course to cut off Russia’s energy revenue. He noted that India could not "immediately" cease shipments but expected the process to conclude soon. Trump said,
"I was not pleased India was buying oil, he assured today they will not be purchasing oil from Russia. That's a significant step. Now we're going to encourage China to do the same."
Indian Government Response: Priority on Consumer Interests
The Indian government, however, has remained circumspect. According to Anjali Kamat of BBC News on October 15, 2025, an official spokesperson clarified that discussions with the U.S. remain ongoing. The government emphasised that safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers amid volatile global energy prices is its foremost priority. The spokesperson said,
"Our import strategies are entirely driven by this aim,"
underscoring India's need to maintain energy security and stable prices. India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal further explained in a statement reported by Deutsche Welle on October 16,
"Maintaining stable energy prices and secure supplies are the dual objectives of our energy strategy. This encompasses broadening our energy sourcing and diversifying as necessary to adapt to market conditions."
Context: India’s Dependence on Russian Oil
India is currently the leading purchaser of Russian seaborne
crude oil, acquiring approximately one-third of its oil imports from Russia at
discounted rates. As reported by Somini Sengupta of The Washington Post on
October 16, 2025, this reliance arises from Russia offering lower prices in the
wake of Western sanctions post the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite U.S.
pressure—including the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian exports—Indian
officials have maintained the purchases are essential for their national energy
security and economic considerations.
Trade Tensions and Tariffs Related to Russian Oil Purchases
The Trump administration has used tariffs as leverage to
dissuade India from buying Russian oil. Reuters reported that these punitive
tariffs, in effect since August 2025, include a 25% penalty on transactions
with Russia, aiming to reduce Russia’s funding for its military operations in
Ukraine. President Trump called these tariffs "punitive measures"
linked to India’s acquisition of Russian oil and weaponry. Indian officials
have called the U.S. stance hypocritical, pointing to continued trade between
Russia and Western nations.
Reactions from Russia and Other Global Players
In response to President Trump's remarks, Dmitry Peskov,
spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, dismissed the claim that
India had pledged to stop oil imports, underscoring Moscow’s reliance on
official declarations from India and China, according to Newsweek on October
16, 2025. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Modi reportedly spoke with Trump
last week, reviewing "substantial progress" on trade discussions,
indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement despite tensions.
Remarks from Indian Political Opposition
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Modi's stance publicly. As reported by Deutsche Welle, Gandhi said,
"PM Modi is intimidated by Trump,"
and alleged that Modi "permits Trump to
dictate and announce that India will refrain from purchasing Russian oil,"
highlighting divisions within Indian politics regarding the issue.
Outlook and Global Market Impact
Following Trump's announcement, oil prices rose from a
five-month low, reflecting market sensitivities to a potential reduction in
Indian purchases of Russian crude, according to Bloomberg’s oil market coverage
on October 15, 2025. Some Indian refiners are reportedly preparing for a
gradual reduction of Russian oil imports, according to anonymous sources cited
by Reuters on October 16, indicating a possible shift in India’s import
strategy.
President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured a halt to Indian purchases of Russian oil marks a significant development in the geopolitical energy landscape. However, India’s government has neither confirmed nor denied the assurance, underscoring the complexity of balancing energy security with international diplomatic pressures. The ongoing trade dispute, tariff impositions, and international responses highlight the multifaceted dynamics shaping India’s role in global energy markets and the broader implications for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.