‘They’ve already deescalated’: Trump again claims India will soon stop buying Russia oil, this time during meet with Zelenskyy
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that India would no longer buy oil from Russia. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, Trump said he was sure that India had already reduced its oil imports from Moscow. “India will not be buying oil from Russia,” Trump said. “They’ve already deescalated.”
Trump’s comment came as he again claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war through talks and by using tariffs, if NATO countries stopped purchasing Russian oil and gas.
Trump had, while interacting with reporters in the White House on Wednesday, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “assured” him that India would stop purchase of Russian oil.
“I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big stop,” Trump said.
Trump also described PM Modi as a close partner despite differences over energy policy. “He’s a friend of mine. We have a great relationship,” Trump said when asked if he viewed India as a reliable partner amid tensions with China.
India responds to Trump’s claim on Russian oil
Reacting to US President Donald Trump’s statement, India said its energy decisions are based only on protecting the interests of Indian consumers amid global price changes.
“India is a major importer of oil and gas. Our main goal has always been to protect our consumers in an unpredictable energy market. All our import choices are made with this in mind,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said he had no information about any recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump. “I am not aware of any conversation between the two leaders yesterday,” he clarified.
Trump has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, including additional 25 per cent duties, on account of the purchase of Russian oil.
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