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India Rejects Trump’s Claim of Pledge to Stop Russian Oil as Pressure Mounts

India says there was no such call, stressing its oil purchases are set by consumer protection and market conditions.

Overview

  • President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would halt purchases of Russian oil, calling it a process that would conclude soon.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs said it was unaware of any conversation on the day Trump cited and reiterated that energy choices are guided by national interest and market realities.
  • Reuters reported some refiners are preparing to reduce Russian crude intake, though companies said they have received no government order to stop buying.
  • Trade data from Kpler show Russia supplied about 34% of India’s crude in September—roughly 1.6 million barrels per day—with state refiners cutting buys as private firms like Reliance and Nayara increased imports.
  • The U.S. has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, including a 25% penalty linked to Russian oil purchases, as bilateral trade talks continue without a confirmed policy shift from New Delhi.