In a development that could reshape the global energy and diplomatic landscape, former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured him that India would stop purchasing Russian oil. The remarks, made during an interaction with reporters in Washington, underscore the deepening strategic ties between the two nations and signal India’s possible policy shift amid heightened geopolitical pressures.
“He assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia,” Trump stated, describing Modi’s message as firm and unambiguous. “You can’t do it immediately — it’s a process — but that process will be over soon.”
Trump said the assurance came during recent conversations on global energy security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He reiterated that continued purchases of Russian oil allow Moscow to finance its war effort, something Washington has strongly opposed.
Deepening Strategic Partnership
Over the past two decades, India and the United States have steadily strengthened their partnership across defense, trade, technology, and intelligence. Energy has become a key pillar of this evolving relationship. If Modi’s assurances translate into policy, it would represent a strategic realignment — aligning India more closely with U.S. objectives on sanctions and economic pressure on Russia.
“Modi is a friend of mine,” Trump added. “He told me they will not be buying oil from Russia. We were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that lets Russia continue this ridiculous war. But he’s given me his word.”
Washington has increasingly relied on New Delhi as a democratic counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific. Cooperation on sensitive issues such as energy sourcing and sanctions compliance is seen as a test of mutual trust and geopolitical alignment.
Balancing National Interests
India has traditionally followed a policy of strategic autonomy, maintaining relations with multiple powers to safeguard its energy security. Discounted Russian oil became an attractive option for India’s refiners, especially amid global price volatility. Shifting away from Russian crude would therefore require careful planning, infrastructure adjustments, and new sourcing arrangements.
The reported assurance reflects New Delhi’s nuanced diplomacy — protecting its national interests while signaling its readiness to support broader international objectives at a critical time. A gradual pivot toward U.S., Middle Eastern, and African energy suppliers is likely, with potential opportunities for long-term contracts and joint investments.
Pressure on China
Trump also used the occasion to send a pointed message to Beijing, calling for similar action from China to curtail its energy trade with Russia.
“Now we’ve got to get China to do the same thing,” he remarked, indicating that Washington expects uniform pressure on Moscow from major economies.
China has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil since Western sanctions were imposed, becoming a key economic lifeline for Moscow. Trump’s comments suggest a broader U.S. strategy aimed at aligning global powers against Russian revenue streams.
Shaping the Global Order
The assurance from Modi, if implemented, would reverberate far beyond energy markets. It would mark a new level of strategic trust between New Delhi and Washington and potentially strengthen India’s role as a central player in shaping a multipolar, rules-based international order.
For the United States, India’s cooperation is crucial in its efforts to reshape global energy flows and exert economic pressure on Russia. For India, closer alignment with Washington on such a critical issue could translate into greater technological collaboration, defense partnerships, and diplomatic leverage.
As both nations navigate complex global challenges — from regional security to energy transitions — this moment represents more than a diplomatic statement. It signals the evolving contours of a powerful partnership that could influence global politics for years to come.