Speaking to the media during a bilateral lunch with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mr. Trump said India had “de-escalated” its crude purchases from Russia and that New Delhi “won’t be doing it anymore.” He reiterated earlier assertions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would halt Russian oil imports.
India’s official response
New Delhi pushed back on Mr. Trump’s characterization. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India’s energy policy aims to “broad-base” and “diversify” supplies to protect consumers and ensure secure, stable prices — not to announce abrupt, one-sided stops driven by external pressure. MEA spokespeople noted they had no information confirming a phone call or pledge as described by the U.S. president.
White House claims and market reality
Officials in Washington have told reporters that the U.S. believes India has already cut Russian oil purchases substantially, with an administration source saying purchases fell by roughly half. Indian industry sources and analysts, however, warned that physical shipments and long-term contracts mean any immediate, large-scale shift in flows is unlikely to be visible overnight.
Why India says it must diversify
India’s stated priorities are twofold: keep energy prices stable for consumers and secure reliable supplies for industry and transport. Buying discounted crude from any single source can help lower import bills and domestic fuel prices, but the government says policy choices will balance market conditions, supply security and strategic considerations.
Geopolitical stakes
The issue sits at the intersection of geopolitics and energy markets. Western capitals — including the U.S. and U.K. — have been pressing Asian buyers to reduce Russian oil imports to deprive Moscow of wartime revenues. But energy contracts, refinery configurations and price incentives make a coordinated, immediate halt difficult. Analysts caution that reductions could be gradual and visible mainly in spot market volumes.
What to watch next
Watch for clarifications from the MEA and the White House, official trade data, and shipping manifests that could confirm whether imports are shifting. Market observers will also monitor whether India expands purchases from alternative suppliers, including the United States, Middle Eastern producers or other global sources. For India’s official statements on energy sourcing and policy, see the Ministry of External Affairs and the Press Information Bureau.