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India casts doubt on Trump's claim Modi will stop buying Russian oil

October 16, 2025

India's foreign ministry has disputed US President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil during a recent phone call. Trump stated that Modi had assured him India would halt Russian oil imports "within a short period of time," but an Indian government spokesman said they were "not aware of any conversation" taking place when Trump claimed. The disputed exchange occurs amid ongoing US pressure on India to end its support for Russian energy markets as part of efforts to economically isolate the Kremlin over the Ukraine war.

Who is affected

  • India (as a major purchaser of Russian oil)
  • Russia (whose energy exports fund its economy)
  • United States (seeking to pressure Russia economically)
  • Indian consumers (whom the government claims to protect with its energy policies)
  • Nayara Energy Limited (an Indian refinery targeted by UK sanctions)
  • Ukraine (indirectly affected by Russia's continued oil revenue)

What action is being taken

  • The US is applying "public and diplomatic pressure" on India to end Russian oil purchases
  • The Trump administration is pursuing increased economic isolation of Russia
  • India is continuing to import Russian oil at a discount
  • The UK government is targeting an Indian oil refinery with sanctions
  • "Productive discussions" are occurring between the US and India regarding oil purchases

Why it matters

  • India's Russian oil purchases help Russia withstand economic pressure from Ukraine's allies
  • India has become a key energy customer for Russia since the war began
  • Indian purchases fund Russia's fossil fuel industry, with Nayara Energy Limited importing 100 million barrels worth over $5 billion in 2024 alone
  • The disputed conversation highlights tensions in US-India relations under the Trump administration
  • The situation reveals disagreements about trade with Russia, with India pointing to continued European energy imports from Russia

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC