On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally assured him that India would cease buying Russian oil. This statement was made during a press briefing, though the Indian government has not yet confirmed this significant development. If true, this decision could enhance Trump's ongoing efforts to persuade Moscow to enter negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump declared, "There will be no oil. He’s not buying oil." While he indicated that this change would not take effect immediately, he suggested that it would occur "within a short period of time." This announcement comes against the backdrop of Trump's escalating frustration over the protracted nature of the war in Ukraine, which began nearly four years ago following Russia's invasion.
Trump has voiced his dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling him as the primary impediment to achieving a resolution in the conflict. In an effort to address the ongoing crisis, Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, highlighting his active engagement in international diplomacy related to the war.
India has emerged as the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, following China. This reliance on Russian energy resources complicates international efforts to isolate Moscow economically. In response to India's continued purchase of Russian oil, Trump had previously imposed higher tariffs on Indian goods in August, showcasing a willingness to apply economic pressure to align India's actions with his geopolitical objectives.
The Indian embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate response to inquiries regarding Trump’s announcement. The lack of official confirmation from the Indian government leaves some uncertainty surrounding the claims made by the U.S. President, as both nations navigate their complex diplomatic relationship amidst global energy and security challenges.
As the situation develops, the world will be watching closely to see if India follows through on Trump's statement and how this decision might affect not only U.S.-India relations but also the broader dynamics of the ongoing war in Ukraine and international energy markets.
