'Well, India Is Not Going to Be Buying Russian Oil Anymore!' - Trump-Zelenskyy Summit at White House

Trump and Zelensky's Meeting: US President Donald Trump on Friday, during a bilateral meal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, once again claimed that India will stop buying oil from Russia. "Well, India is not going to be buying Russian oil anymore," Trump said, something he had repeated earlier. The claim came amid a significant discussion on arms and energy supplies in the context of the Ukraine war, where Trump targeted India for putting pressure on Russia. According to Reuters, Trump told Zelensky that India's move would deal a blow to Russia's economy.

Trump's old claim: Modi gave "assurance."

Trump had made the same claim while talking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday. "I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he (Modi) assured me today that he will not buy oil from Russia. This is a big step," he said. Trump called it part of increasing pressure on Russia and said the next target would be China. According to reports from Politico and The Guardian, Trump called it a "little process" that will be over soon. But the Washington Post noted that India did not report any such talks.

India's response: Consumer interest paramount; no phone calls

The Indian Foreign Ministry rejected Trump's claim outright. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "There is no information about any conversation or phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump on Wednesday." "India is a major importer of oil and gas. Protecting the interests of the Indian consumer in an unstable energy landscape is our priority. Our import policies are strictly guided by this objective," it said in a statement. The ministry referred to "twin energy "goals"—stable energy prices and secure supply. According to CNN and the Times of India, India has reduced its dependence on Russian oil (by 34% in September), but due to market prices, not US pressure.

Trump's pressure: 50% tariff, weapon to stop funding to Russia

Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India in August, with an additional 25% on Russian oil purchases. They argue that it gives Russia funding for the Ukraine war. US News and ABC News reported that Trump considers this as part of pressure on Moscow. But according to the Guardian, India stands to benefit from cheap Russian oil from 2022, becoming the second-biggest buyer after China. Imports stood at 1.6 million barrels per day in October, but Russian share down 10% due to market reasons

Future prospects: energy security versus global pressures

The dispute could increase tensions in India-US relations, especially as Trump is trying to defuse the Ukraine war. India clarified that the policies are based on consumer interests and not external pressure. The Times of India described it as "Trump's lie," while Reuters repeated Trump's claim. Experts believe that India will gradually reduce its dependence on Russian oil, but not immediately. This issue may arise in the upcoming G7 and G20 meetings.