The Kremlin on Tuesday dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim that India would stop purchasing Russian oil after sealing a trade deal with Washington, saying Moscow has received no such indication from New Delhi so far. Russia said it will continue strengthening ties with India “in every possible way.” While India has confirmed the tariff cuts-with Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming the move after a call with Trump-New Delhi has made no official statement on ending oil imports from Russia.
Trump on Monday announced a new US-India trade agreement, citing lower reciprocal tariffs and expanded market access. He also claimed India would halt Russian oil imports and sharply raise purchases of American goods.
Trump Links Oil Shift To Ukraine War
In his post, Trump said PM Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil and instead increase imports from the US and potentially Venezuela. He argued that cutting Russia’s energy revenues would help bring an end to the Ukraine conflict, claiming thousands of people are dying every week
Describing PM Modi as a “powerful and respected leader”, Trump said the leaders discussed trade and global security issues, adding that the oil decision was part of a wider effort to restore peace.
He also said the move was agreed “effective immediately”, alongside a new trade deal that would see US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods reduced to 18 percent.
India Acknowledges Tariffs, Not Oil
However, India’s official readout of the conversation did not mention any commitment to stop Russian oil purchases.
In a social media post, PM Modi said he had a “wonderful” conversation with Trump and thanked him for lowering tariffs on “Made in India” products to 18 percent. The Prime Minister highlighted progress in bilateral relations and cooperation on regional and global issues but made no reference to changes in India’s energy sourcing.