US President Donald Trump once again made a big claim about India on Wednesday. He said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India will no longer buy oil from Russia. Trump called it a big step and said it was part of his effort to isolate Russia because of the Ukraine war.
However, no statement has yet come from India regarding Trump’s claim.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had expressed concerns to Prime Minister Modi over India’s continued imports of Russian crude, which Washington believes helps fund President Vladimir Putin’s wars. Trump said, “So I was not happy that India was buying oil.”
He further claimed, “And he (Prime Minister Modi) assured me today that he will not buy oil from Russia. This is a big step. Now we have to ask China to do the same.”
US President Trump also said that despite differences on energy policy, Prime Minister Modi is a close ally. When Trump was asked whether he considered India a reliable partner amid tensions with China, he said, “He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is my friend. We have a very good relationship.”
Trump links oil imports from Russia to Ukraine war
The US President said that India’s oil purchases have indirectly helped Russia continue its invasion of Ukraine. He said that continued trade gives Russia the opportunity to continue this ridiculous war in which it has lost 1.5 lakh people.
He said, “This is a war that should never have started, but this is a war that Russia should have won in the first week and they are entering the fourth year. I want to see it stopped.”
Trump further said that seeking assurance from Modi was part of his diplomatic efforts to cut off Moscow’s energy income. He said, “Now we have to ask China to do the same. Putting pressure on China will be easier than what we did in the Middle East last week.”
Let us tell you that this statement of Trump has come at a time when America is increasing pressure to ensure that Western sanctions are effective and Russia’s army does not get funding.
‘Prime Minister Modi is a great person’
On the question asked on the meeting between US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gore and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said that the meeting between US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gore and PM Modi was very good. Modi is a great person. Sergio told me that PM Modi likes Trump. Trump said that he has seen India for many years, and every year new leaders used to come, but Modi has been the Prime Minister for a long time.
India should buy oil from Russia again after the war ends: Trump
Trump also said that Modi has assured him that India will no longer buy oil from Russia. It is not easy to do this immediately, but the process will be completed soon. All we want from President Putin is to stop the war, stop killing Ukrainians and stop killing Russians because he’s killing a lot of Russians. The hatred between the two leaders (Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin) is very strong, it is an obstacle. But I think we will find a solution. If India does not buy oil then things will be easier. After the war ends, India can again buy oil from Russia.
India defends oil imports as economic necessity
It is noteworthy that India has repeatedly defended its oil imports from Russia and described it as essential for its energy security and economic stability.
Former Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had said, “India’s energy purchases are driven by national interest. We do not import from any country based on political considerations. Our decisions are driven by market realities.”
Ever since Western countries started gradually phasing out energy imports from Russia in 2022, India has emerged as Moscow’s biggest buyer. According to trade data, Russian crude now accounts for about one-third of India’s total oil imports.
India also says that its imports are in line with the price limit set by the G7 on Russian oil and it is meeting domestic energy requirements while following all international rules.
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