US President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to end India’s purchases of oil from Russia, a move that could ease tensions between Washington and New Delhi after months of friction over trade and energy policy. Trump said Modi made the commitment during a private phone call on Wednesday, details of which had not been previously disclosed. Speaking to reporters at the White House, the president said, “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. Now I got to get China to do the same thing.”
Trump added that India’s withdrawal from Russian crude purchases would take some time, describing it as “a little bit of a process” but one that “is going to be over with soon.” The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving it unclear whether New Delhi has officially confirmed the pledge.
The remarks come amid one of the most turbulent periods in recent US-India relations. Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods earlier this year severely strained bilateral trade ties, with the president framing the move as punishment for India’s continued energy dealings with Moscow. Relations deteriorated further after Washington introduced a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, a measure that primarily affects Indian technology professionals seeking employment in the United States.
Despite the friction, Trump struck a conciliatory tone in his latest comments, describing Modi as a “great man” and emphasizing their “great relationship.” His statement suggests a potential path toward reconciliation, as both nations seek to stabilize their strategic partnership amid shifting global alignments and rising geopolitical tensions. Modi, who spoke with Trump last week to discuss ongoing trade negotiations, said afterward that “good progress” had been made during their talks, hinting at possible breakthroughs behind the scenes.
The White House has not released details about any specific agreements reached during the leaders’ recent exchanges, but Trump’s claim marks the strongest indication yet that India may scale back its energy cooperation with Russia under American pressure. Such a shift would represent a significant geopolitical adjustment for New Delhi, which has long balanced its economic ties between Western nations and Moscow. For Washington, it would signal a diplomatic win at a time when Trump has faced criticism for his administration’s erratic approach to trade and foreign policy.
As both leaders navigate their domestic political challenges, the prospect of renewed cooperation could serve mutual interests. For Trump, an end to Indian oil imports from Russia would bolster his administration’s broader campaign to isolate Moscow economically. For Modi, improved ties with Washington could ease trade restrictions and restore stability to a vital economic relationship that underpins India’s growing global ambitions.
