US Says India Reduces Russian Oil Imports Following Trump Request

The White House announced on Thursday that India has started scaling back its oil imports from Russia, following a direct request from US President Donald Trump. During a press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the impact of recent US sanctions targeting Russia’s major oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, aimed at disrupting Moscow’s revenue amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Leavitt noted, “Reports indicate China is also cutting back on Russian oil, and we know India is doing the same at the President’s urging.” She emphasized that the US is pushing its European allies to follow suit, describing the effort as a “full-court press” to undermine Russia’s war-financing capabilities.

The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that India agreed to significantly reduce its Russian oil imports. However, tensions have escalated as Trump imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25% duty tied to India’s Russian oil purchases. India has called these measures “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” asserting that its energy policy prioritizes affordable and secure supplies for its citizens.

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According to the US, India’s oil purchases from Russia are indirectly supporting President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts in Ukraine. Leavitt stated that Trump has long expressed frustration with Putin’s lack of progress toward a peace settlement, adding that the recent sanctions reflect Trump’s readiness to act when he deems it necessary.

A planned meeting between Trump and Putin in Hungary later this year has been postponed indefinitely, though Leavitt suggested that future talks remain a possibility. The strained US-India relations and the broader geopolitical fallout continue to unfold as the US intensifies its economic measures against Russia.

Also Read: Trump Says PM Modi Promised 40% Reduction in Russian Oil Imports