By Manisha Sahu | America News World | October 16, 2025
In a statement that could reshape global energy dynamics, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to halt India’s purchase of Russian oil. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the move as a “big step” toward economically isolating Moscow amid continuing Western sanctions against Russia.
“Prime Minister Modi has assured me that India will not buy oil from Russia anymore,” Trump told the White House press pool. “That’s a very big step for peace, for stability, and for standing with the United States and our allies.”
The remark comes at a time when the US administration has been ramping up diplomatic pressure on several countries that continue to import discounted crude from Russia — a key source of revenue for the Kremlin’s war machine. India, which has become one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since 2022, had until recently resisted US efforts to curb those purchases, citing its domestic energy needs and economic priorities.
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A Strategic Turnaround
Trump’s claim marks what could be a dramatic policy shift for India, which had consistently maintained that its energy relationship with Moscow was guided by “national interest.” Over the past three years, India has defended its decision to buy cheaper Russian crude, arguing that the country must secure affordable energy to sustain its fast-growing economy.
If confirmed, India’s decision to end Russian oil imports would signal a significant alignment with Washington’s sanctions policy and could mark the deepest moment of cooperation between Trump and Modi since the US president’s return to office.
According to Reuters, Trump said that the assurance from Modi came “within a short period of time,” suggesting that the commitment was made recently, possibly during a private diplomatic exchange. “This is a big stop — a big step — and I appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s leadership on this,” Trump added.
Tough US Pressure, Economic Repercussions
The Trump administration has long expressed frustration with India’s continued engagement with Russian energy markets. Earlier this year, Washington imposed an additional 25% tariff on select Indian goods entering the US, citing what officials called India’s “unfair dependence” on Moscow for oil imports.
That move was widely interpreted as a sign of Washington’s impatience. Despite multiple rounds of talks, New Delhi had previously resisted US calls to significantly reduce oil imports from Russia, arguing that Western sanctions do not apply to non-aligned nations.
A senior official in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, told America News World that the government is “assessing the situation and will respond at an appropriate time.” The official neither confirmed nor denied Trump’s statement, saying, “India makes decisions based on its national interests and long-term strategic considerations.”
Impact on Global Energy Markets
Should India actually follow through with the commitment, global oil markets could see a significant shift. India currently imports nearly 1.7 million barrels per day of Russian crude, accounting for more than 30% of its total oil imports. The withdrawal of such a major buyer could force Moscow to look elsewhere — possibly to China or Turkey — to offset lost revenues.
Energy experts warn that the decision could also have domestic implications for India, where fuel prices have been a politically sensitive issue. “If India stops buying discounted Russian oil, domestic prices are likely to rise,” said Dr. Ananya Mehta, an energy economist at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. “It will test the Modi government’s ability to balance economic pragmatism with geopolitical pressure.”
Meanwhile, oil futures surged modestly following Trump’s announcement. Brent crude prices rose by 2.1%, touching $88.40 per barrel on Wednesday evening, as traders speculated about potential supply realignments.
Geopolitical Implications
Trump’s statement also comes amid his broader effort to reassert American influence over global energy flows and trade alliances. His administration has emphasized “energy alignment” with allies in Europe and Asia, pressing nations to cut off Moscow’s financial lifelines.
The US has been particularly keen to rally support from Indo-Pacific partners, including India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, to ensure coordinated action against Russia. “India’s participation would be a huge diplomatic victory for Washington,” said Michael O’Brien, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. “It would signal that even traditionally non-aligned powers are now moving closer to the US-led coalition on Russia.”
For India, the decision—if implemented—may also be aimed at avoiding further US economic penalties. The recent tariffs have already impacted Indian exporters of steel, aluminum, and textiles, industries that rely heavily on the US market.
Mixed Reactions in New Delhi
Political analysts in India are divided on whether Modi would completely halt Russian oil imports. Some suggest Trump may have overstated the level of assurance he received. “It is possible that Modi expressed an intention to gradually reduce dependence, rather than a total halt,” said Professor Rajeev Sharma, a foreign policy expert at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “A complete stop seems economically risky, especially with elections approaching next year.”
Others, however, argue that New Delhi may be recalibrating its global posture in anticipation of closer economic cooperation with Washington, including a potential trade agreement and defense technology partnerships.
Looking Ahead
As of Thursday morning, the Indian government has not issued an official statement confirming or denying Trump’s claim. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas declined to comment, saying discussions with “international partners” are ongoing.
If Trump’s assertion proves accurate, the decision could mark one of the most significant foreign policy shifts in India’s recent history — one that aligns its energy strategy more closely with Western powers while reshaping global oil flows.
For now, the world watches closely as the geopolitical chessboard continues to evolve, with Washington and New Delhi navigating the complex intersection of energy, economics, and diplomacy.