Trump repeats claim India is completely cutting back on Russian oil

US President Donald Trump has reiterated claims that India is completely cutting back on its imports of Russian oil. The remarks were made as Trump embarked on his first Asia tour to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Onboard Air Force One, Trump highlighted that trade relations between India and the US have faced tensions, partly due to high tariffs and New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The oil trade with Russia had previously prompted the US to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing concerns over support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.

When asked whether discussions on Russian oil purchases would be raised with Chinese President Xi Jinping, it was indicated that both China and India are reducing their intake of Russian oil.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he hoped for a "comprehensive deal" with Xi, adding that he expected China to make a deal to avoid further 100 percent tariffs that are due to come into effect on November 1.

Fresh US sanctions on Russian energy companies Rosneft and Lukoil were also announced earlier in the week, reinforcing the pressure on Moscow.

Trump’s statements regarding India and China’s reduction in Russian oil imports came ahead of his meeting with Xi Jinping in South Korea. The summit follows recent US tariff increases on China and is aimed at easing trade tensions between the two nations.

Earlier on Wednesday (local time) Trump claimed that India will significantly reduce Russian oil imports by year-end, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance.

Trump also said that the process of phasing out Russian oil imports will be 'gradual, claiming that India will bring it "down to almost nothing" by the end of the year.

(with inputs from ANI and AFP)