Modi Discusses Russian Oil with Trump, Says India to Stop Purchases

Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has publicly stated that India is set to discontinue its procurement of Russian oil by the end of 2024. Trump revealed he had a “absolutely great” conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the subject of Russian oil imports was discussed. This latest statement comes shortly after Trump had previously claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him via a phone call that India would cease buying oil from Russia. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had, however, previously refuted this claim. Trump quoted Modi’s supposed commitment: “India has told me that they are going to stop buying oil from Russia by the end of the year; I spoke to PM Modi yesterday and they have been absolutely great.” Additionally, Trump revisited his assertion that trade tariffs were key in resolving the conflict between India and Pakistan, stating that the imposition of tariffs led to a de-escalation of hostilities.