India will no longer buy oil from Russia : Donald Trump

President of the United States, Donald Trump

Washington (USA) – ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a friend of mine; we have a great relationship. I was not happy that India was buying oil from Russia, but today Prime Minister Modi assured me that India will no longer purchase oil from Russia. Although it cannot stop immediately, the process has begun and will be completed soon. Now I got to get China to do the same’, US President Donald Trump said during a press conference at the White House. In August 2025, the US imposed an additional 25% tax on India for continuing to purchase oil from Russia. Previously, it had already imposed a 25% import duty on India, effectively doubling the total tariff to 50%.

Trump further added that recently, Sergio Gor, appointed as the new US Ambassador to India, had met with Prime Minister Modi. ‘After the meeting, Sergio told me that Modi likes Trump. I don’t want to misinterpret the word ‘like’ or ruin anyone’s political career’, Trump joked.

India’s response to Trump’s remarks
As a major buyer of oil and gas, protecting public interests remains our priority !

Reacting to Trump’s statement, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not directly confirm or deny whether India would stop buying Russian oil. He said, ‘India purchases oil from multiple sources. As one of the world’s largest importers of oil and gas, our priority is to safeguard public interests. Our import strategies are designed to achieve this. Our energy policy has two core goals : maintaining stable prices and ensuring secure supplies. To achieve these, we diversify our energy sources according to market conditions. For years, we have been expanding our energy trade with the United States, and this cooperation continues to progress. The US administration has shown interest in strengthening energy ties with India, and discussions are ongoing’.

Why is the US opposed to this ?

To exert pressure on Russia, the United States has imposed economic sanctions on India. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Russia uses the revenue from Indian oil purchases to fund the war in Ukraine. His administration has justified the punitive taxes and tariffs on India as a means to curb Moscow’s wartime income.

Russia’s response : We are a much better option for India

Following Trump’s remarks, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov responded, saying, ‘India’s economy certainly needs Russian oil. Importantly, India and Russia share a trustworthy partnership. About one-third of India’s total crude oil imports come from Russia. We remain a much better and reliable option for India. The strategic partnership between Russia and India is seen globally as a stabilising force. Fundamentally, this relationship stands on solid ground — and in the energy sector, Russia continues to be one of India’s strongest partners’.

Modi does not oppose Trump : Rahul Gandhi

After Trump’s remarks, Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Modi, posting on X (formerly Twitter) :

PM Modi is frightened of Trump.

1. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil.

2. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs.

3. Canceled the Finance Minister’s visit to America.

4. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh.

5. Doesn’t contradict him on Operation Sindoor.

Congress Party says Modi is a weak Prime Minister

The Congress Party further said, ‘National interests should not be sacrificed for the sake of personal friendship. Once again, Narendra Modi has compromised India’s dignity. According to Trump, Modi yielded under his anger and threats and promised to stop purchasing Russian oil. One thing is clear, Narendra Modi is a weak Prime Minister, and his actions have destabilised India’s foreign policy’.