Modi assured me India will stop buying Russian oil, says Trump

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to end India’s purchases of Russian oil, months after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on New Delhi over the issue.

"He's assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia," Trump told reporters. "You know, you can't do it immediately. It's a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon."

India has not yet confirmed Trump’s statement. Modi has previously defended oil imports from Russia, describing the country as a long-standing partner despite Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

In a possible sign of rapprochement, Modi met with the newly arrived US ambassador, Sergio Gor on Saturday, just hours after Gor landed in New Delhi.

Following the meeting, Gor said the Trump administration “valued the relationship with India” and expressed optimism, citing a recent phone conversation between Trump and Modi.

Trump, speaking from the White House, praised his personal rapport with the Indian leader. "Modi is a great man. He loves Trump," he said, referring to himself in the third person. "I don't want to destroy his political career."

"I've watched India for years. It's an incredible country, and every single year you'd have a new leader," Trump added. "My friend has been there now for a long time."

In August, Trump’s administration had raised tariffs on Indian exports to 50 percent, accusing New Delhi of indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine through its continued energy trade with Moscow.