US President Donald Trump again claimed on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, that India would no longer import oil from Russia.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, that India would stop importing oil from Russia. Trump stated that he had already heard about a reduction in imports from India and called it a "big step." Earlier on Wednesday, October 15, Trump had also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would not buy oil from Russia.
However, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has completely dismissed Trump's claim. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that there has been no recent conversation or telephone call between India and the United States on this matter. He stated, "There has been no communication whatsoever between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, so the question of giving any assurance on oil purchases does not arise."
Trump Also Spoke of Pressuring China
Regarding Russian oil, Trump spoke not only of pressuring India but also China. He stated that they would now encourage China to also ensure it does not buy crude oil from Russia. This stance by Trump is considered part of America's global strategy, aimed at preventing Moscow from financing the Ukraine war.
India has repeatedly clarified that it prioritizes its energy security and national interests. India is still purchasing crude oil from Russia at discounted rates, but imports have decreased in recent months. According to data, in June 2025, India imported approximately 2 million barrels per day of oil from Russia, which decreased to 1.6 million barrels per day in September.
In the first half of October, this figure strengthened again, halting a three-month decline seen during July-September. This momentum increased due to festive demand and refinery activity. Experts state that despite America's warnings and claims, India's energy strategy remains stable and is not expected to change solely based on global pressures.
Soft Stance on Hungary, Tough Stance on India
In his conversation with journalists, Trump adopted a soft stance on Hungary's Russian oil imports. He stated that Hungary is in a special situation because it lacks sea routes and has to rely solely on pipelines for oil supplies. Trump mentioned that Hungary has now almost stopped imports, and from an American perspective, this is acceptable.
He referred to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a "great leader" and said he would meet him in the coming weeks. This comparison made it clear that Trump is relatively tough on India, while showing leniency towards countries with limited options, like Hungary.
The US believes that India's continued purchase of oil from Russia provides financial assistance to Moscow in the Ukraine war. India's discounted oil imports have made it strategically important in the global energy market. The continuous import of Russian oil ensures India's energy security, especially given domestic demand and refinery capacity.
