US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his assertion that India plans to drastically reduce its oil imports from Russia during Diwali festivities at the White House. He disclosed that this position came after a private discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing a mutual desire to see the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine come to an early conclusion.
In a statement that emphasized the depth of his connection with Modi and was in line with larger geopolitical objectives, Trump said that India had already reduced its purchases of Russian oil and would do so going forward.
Trump’s most recent remarks have not yet received an official response from New Delhi. Indian officials, however, have repeatedly denied similar allegations, highlighting the fact that the country’s energy import policy is entirely based on domestic economic priorities and the intention of safeguarding Indian customers in the face of international market instability.
Prior to this, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that national interests, not outside pressure, are the only factors influencing India’s import choices.
Along with addressing the growing trade issues with China, Trump said that new tariffs of roughly 155% would go into effect on November 1. Although he wanted to keep good relations, he argued that such actions were unsustainable for Beijing and that the US could no longer allow other powers to take advantage of previous shortcomings in US economic leadership. According to the president, his tariff-driven strategy is crucial for both economic revitalization and national security.
Regarding international trade, Trump continued by pointing to his prior discussions with South Korea, Japan, and the European Union as instances of successful deals reached through assertive economic diplomacy.
He emphasized that in order to improve the country’s fiscal health and lower its debt, the billions of dollars—possibly trillions—that were raised through tariffs were being reinvested. The President came to the conclusion that by guaranteeing “smart business leadership,” the US was reclaiming control over its strategic and economic future.
