U.S. President Donald Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to halt purchases of Russian oil, a move that would mark a significant shift in one of Moscow’s key export markets. Trump added that he will now push China to take similar action as Washington steps up efforts to choke off Russia’s energy revenues.
Oil has traded higher since.
India and China are currently the largest buyers of Russian seaborne crude, benefiting from steep discounts since Western sanctions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump has recently criticized India’s continued oil trade with Russia and imposed tariffs on Indian exports to discourage the practice, arguing that reducing such purchases would pressure Moscow toward peace talks.
The Indian government has not yet confirmed Modi’s reported commitment.
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Trump’s claim that India will halt Russian oil imports could tighten global crude supply expectations and lift prices, though uncertainty remains until official confirmation from New Delhi. Pressure on China could further complicate energy trade flows in Asia.
