Trump says Modi assured him "India Will Not Buy Oil From Russia"

United States President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India will halt its imports of oil from Russia. This statement was made during a White House event and comes as part of increasing international pressure on Moscow following its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Trump described the discussion with Modi as a significant development in efforts to economically isolate Russia. He expressed his previous dissatisfaction regarding India's oil purchases, stating, "I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step."

The implications of such a move could be considerable, potentially redefining global energy diplomacy. An Indian commitment to cease buying Russian oil would mark a pivotal change for one of Russia's largest energy consumers, influencing the decisions of other nations still reliant on Russian crude. This shift aligns with Washington's strategy of encouraging individual nations to act rather than depending solely on broader sanctions.

During his comments, Trump acknowledged that an immediate halt to oil imports might not be feasible, referring to the process as "a little bit of a process, but that process will be over soon." He also indicated a desire for cooperation from China in stopping its purchases of Russian oil.

The Indian embassy in Washington has yet to confirm or deny Trump's assertions.

This potential withdrawal from Russian oil would coincide with the escalating international backlash against Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine. Analysts suggest that India's departure from Russian energy sources could further undermine Russia’s ability to finance its military campaign.

Trump's remarks also included criticism of Russia's conduct in Ukraine, where he stated that the ongoing conflict has already resulted in significant casualties, claiming that Russia has lost approximately one and a half million individuals, primarily soldiers. He labelled the situation an unnecessary war that should have been resolved rapidly.

The unpredictability of global oil markets further complicates the situation, with analysts observing fluctuations in prices amid fears of shortages.

In his remarks, Trump exhibited a level of personal rapport with Modi, calling him "a friend" and commending the Indian leader’s long tenure in office. He expressed confidence in Modi's leadership and implied a strategic alignment between the two nations.

Looking ahead, the dynamics between India, Russia, and the United States may evolve significantly if India moves forward with the commitment to stop importing Russian oil. This shift has the potential to influence geopolitical relations and reshape energy corridors in the ongoing global landscape.