US President Donald Trump on Friday acknowledged reports suggesting that Indian state-run refineries have ceased purchasing Russian oil, calling it a “good step,” though he added he was unsure about the veracity of the claim.
“I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard. I don’t know if that’s right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question regarding possible consequences or diplomatic engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The comments came at a time of increased US pressure on nations continuing to import Russian crude, as part of Washington’s broader effort to limit Moscow’s revenue amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since Western sanctions began in 2022, India—among the world’s largest oil importers—had become a major buyer of discounted Russian oil.
India Responds to US Trade Penalties, Reaffirms Russia Ties
Trump’s remarks follow the administration’s July 30 announcement of a 25 percent tariff and additional penalties on Indian imports. The President cited India’s oil trade with Russia and persistent trade barriers as reasons for the punitive action.
Just a day prior, reports emerged that state-run refineries such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum had halted Russian crude purchases. Industry sources attributed the decision to diminishing discounts and rising logistical hurdles.
Earlier in the week, Trump had issued sharp criticism of India’s ties with Moscow, posting on social media, “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly to the criticism. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal defended the Indo-Russian alliance, calling it a “steady and time-tested partnership.” He also expressed confidence that the India-US relationship would remain strong and continue progressing despite the recent strain.
