U.S.-India Energy Talks: Trump Hails Modi’s Assurance to End Russian Oil Imports

Washington, October 16, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, describing the decision as “a big step” to increase international pressure on Moscow.

Speaking at a joint news conference with FBI Director Kash Patel at the Oval Office, Trump said, “He’s a friend of mine. We have a great relationship. 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 stop. Now we’ve got to get China to do the same thing.”

Trump emphasized his personal rapport with Modi, adding that their friendship and communication remain strong. He criticized India’s past energy trade with Russia, arguing that continued purchases enabled Moscow to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. “We were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that lets Russia continue with this war, where they’ve lost a million and a half people — mostly soldiers,” Trump said.

India has consistently defended its oil imports from Russia, citing economic stability and affordable energy as national priorities. Despite U.S. pressure to diversify its energy sources, New Delhi maintains that its decisions are guided by practical and financial considerations.

Calling the Ukraine conflict “a war that should have never started,” Trump said, “It’s a war that Russia should have won in the first week, and they’re going into the fourth year. I want to see it stop. So I was not happy that India was buying oil.”

Trump’s remarks highlight a notable diplomatic moment as Washington seeks to strengthen ties with India while continuing efforts to isolate Russia economically amid the ongoing Ukraine war.