Information
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil, warning that India would continue facing high U.S. tariffs if it did not comply. Trump said Modi personally told him India would halt the imports, though New Delhi denied knowledge of any such conversation. Trump has repeatedly criticized India’s continued buying of Russian oil, saying it undermines Western sanctions and indirectly supports Russia’s war in Ukraine. He has justified his steep tariffs on Indian goods as a response to these oil imports.
Despite Trump’s comments, Indian officials described ongoing U.S.–India trade talks as “congenial” and declined to discuss details. India remains the largest buyer of discounted Russian seaborne oil, even as Western nations have scaled back purchases. While a White House official claimed India had reduced its Russian oil imports by half, Indian industry sources reported no significant decline yet, noting that orders placed for November and December deliveries would keep imports steady in the short term. Data from Kpler indicated that India’s Russian oil imports were actually set to rise by 20% in October to 1.9 million barrels per day, as Russia increased exports following Ukrainian drone strikes on its refineries.
Source: AFP, Reuters
So What
Regardless of India’s decision, it is bound to upset one side, with both Trump and Putin applying competing geopolitical pressure. New Delhi faces a delicate balancing act, managing its strategic partnership with the U.S. while preserving vital energy ties with Russia. Any move risks straining key relationships and escalating diplomatic tensions. Although a major shift in India’s oil policy is unlikely in the short term, it remains a possible long-term development. If it does occur, it could further weaken Russia’s already fragile economy, indirectly bolstering Ukraine by intensifying financial pressure on Moscow.
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