Trump says India 'very good' on Russian oil, claims Modi assurance

Former US president Donald Trump again commended India for its approach to Russian crude purchases, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him New Delhi would sharply reduce or stop buying oil from Moscow.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Busan, Trump said India had cooperated on global energy matters while noting limited US leverage over China's energy trade with Russia.

He said China has long purchased significant volumes of Russian oil, but added that 'India's been very good on that front.' Trump also said oil was not the main topic of talks with Xi, which focused on efforts 'to see if we could get that war finished.'

Trump's remarks follow repeated statements since mid-October 2025 in which he has said Modi assured him that India would halt or drastically cut imports of Russian crude — a key source of revenue for Moscow amid the Ukraine war.

India's Energy Policy and Official Response

This month New Delhi responded, stressing that its energy sourcing decisions are guided by national interest and the need to protect consumers.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's import choices aim to keep energy prices stable and ensure reliable supplies for its population.

'India is a major importer of oil and gas. Our import policy prioritises safeguarding Indian consumers in a volatile market,' Jaiswal said. He added that India is expanding energy ties, including with the United States, to diversify supply sources and support market stability.

Domestic Needs Versus International Pressure

New Delhi has defended purchases of discounted Russian oil as a pragmatic step to shield its economy and citizens from price shocks, stressing energy security over political considerations.

The United States continues to urge partners to reduce dependence on Russian energy, arguing such trade helps fund Moscow's war effort in Ukraine.

Trump, who has pushed for closer US-India ties, described Modi's alleged assurance as 'a big step' toward efforts to economically isolate Russia. With the Russia-Ukraine conflict entering its third year, India's effort to balance affordable imports with wider diplomatic pressures remains closely watched.