Trump claims India will halt Russian oil imports.
Donald Trump claimed he was “assured” that India will soon stop purchasing oil from Russia, citing recent diplomatic discussions.
Trump Claims India to Stop Buying Russian Oil, India Denies Any Such Assurances — A Diplomatic Tug of Words
In yet another headline-grabbing statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed on Friday that India has “de-escalated” its purchase of Russian oil — a claim that has stirred both curiosity and controversy. Trump made these remarks while meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, underscoring his continued involvement in global geopolitical conversations even after leaving office.
They bought about 38 percent of their oil from Russia, and they won’t be doing it anymore.”
The former president’s words came with his characteristic certainty — but once again, they have sparked debates over their factual basis. Trump had earlier said that he had been “assured” by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that New Delhi would stop buying oil from Moscow. “You can’t do it immediately.
Trump’s tone carried a mix of optimism and urgency, painting India’s supposed decision as a major win for efforts to pressure Russia economically amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. “And they’ll go back to Russia after the war’s over.”
The statement was clearly meant to show solidarity with Ukraine and to present Trump as a global dealmaker capable of influencing major nations — even those with complex ties like India. He added warmly, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great man, and India is an incredible country.” His words carried both admiration and a touch of self-credit, suggesting his personal diplomacy played a role in this supposed development.
However, the Indian government swiftly refuted Trump’s assertions, clarifying that no such conversation took place between him and Prime Minister Modi. On Thursday, New Delhi formally denied claims of any telephonic exchange in which such assurances were made.
This denial underscored the gap between Trump’s rhetoric and diplomatic reality. Indian officials emphasized that India maintains its independent energy policy — one guided by national interest rather than external pressure.
Over the past two years, India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude, especially after Western sanctions tightened on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. For India, purchasing Russian oil has been a matter of economic pragmatism rather than political alignment — a way to balance domestic energy needs amid global price volatility.
Experts note that while the U.S. has voiced concern over India’s imports of Russian oil, Washington has also quietly acknowledged New Delhi’s strategic balancing act. India has maintained a delicate stance — condemning civilian deaths in Ukraine while avoiding direct criticism of Moscow, a long-time defense partner.
Trump’s remarks, therefore, come across as part diplomacy and part political showmanship. “It’s classic Trump,” said a senior Washington analyst. “He often uses strong, confident language to project influence, even when details don’t align with official records.”
For Trump, the narrative serves multiple purposes. Domestically, it reinforces his image as a tough negotiator who can “make deals” even beyond his presidency. Internationally, it positions him as someone still capable of swaying major powers — a subtle contrast to current U.S. President Joe Biden’s diplomatic style.
Yet, from New Delhi’s perspective, Trump’s comments appear more like political posturing than policy reality. Indian officials insist that no commitment has been made to halt Russian oil imports, and such decisions will be dictated by India’s own national interests.
“Energy security is an absolute priority,” said a senior Indian official on condition of anonymity. “India will continue to purchase oil from wherever it can get the best deal, as long as it aligns with our domestic and strategic needs.”
Trump’s comments also come at a sensitive time. As the Ukraine conflict drags on, the U.S. and its allies have been trying to rally global support to isolate Russia economically. India’s role — as both a major energy consumer and a growing global power — makes it central to these efforts.
Still, India’s relationship with the U.S. has deepened in other areas, including defense cooperation, technology, and trade. The two nations have also strengthened their alignment through the Quad — a strategic partnership with Japan and Australia — aimed at maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Despite this, the oil issue remains a point of divergence. While the U.S. prefers that India reduces its reliance on Russian crude, Washington has not imposed any direct sanctions on Indian oil imports. This pragmatic tolerance reflects the recognition that India’s cooperation is vital in balancing China’s regional influence.
As for Trump, his repeated claims about conversations with world leaders — especially those that are later denied — have become a familiar pattern. His latest remarks about India fit that mold: bold, headline-grabbing, and hard to verify.
Whether these statements are based on miscommunication, exaggeration, or political theater remains unclear. But they have certainly reignited debate over how Trump views international diplomacy — as a game of persuasion and personal relationships rather than formal protocols.
For now, India continues to walk its tightrope — upholding its friendship with the U.S. while maintaining strategic ties with Russia. And Trump, true to his style, continues to present himself as the man whose words can shift global currents — even when the world disagrees.
In the end, Trump’s claim that India has “de-escalated” from Russian oil may not reflect the full truth. But it does reflect something else entirely — his enduring ability to dominate global headlines and shape conversations far beyond America’s borders.