President Donald Trump has once again stated that India will soon stop importing crude oil from Russia, prompting both international attention and formal denials from New Delhi.
Speaking on Friday, the President maintained his claim that India would join the US and its allies in restricting financial flows to Moscow in an effort to put further pressure on Russia over its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Earlier this week, President Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally notified him of India’s plans to cease Russian oil shipments.
However, the Indian administration denied that such a conversation had occurred. Officials in New Delhi have stated that India’s energy relationship with Russia is directed by national interests and market conditions, rather than external coercion.
The President’s reiterated declaration is part of Washington’s larger diplomatic campaign to tighten global sanctions against Russia. Since taking office in January, Trump has pushed to strengthen partnerships aimed at putting a halt to Russia’s war operations through financial and trade sanctions.
His remarks have complicated India’s diplomatic balancing act between strategic alliances with the West and Russia.
India continues to pursue a policy of strategic autonomy. Officials have often stated that Russia’s oil purchases fulfill domestic economic goals, especially in light of fluctuating world prices. Indian refiners have profited from discounted Russian crude since 2022, which has helped to alleviate domestic inflationary concerns.
While Trump’s words indicate that Washington expects greater alignment from New Delhi, observers warn that India’s decision-making is still firmly grounded in practical factors.
With energy security, price stability, and geopolitical neutrality at issue, New Delhi is unlikely to adopt drastic measures that might jeopardize its long-term strategic independence.
