India Will Not Buy Russian Oil, PM Modi Has Assured Me: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump announced that Indian PM Narendra Modi has assured him of halting Russian oil purchases. This commitment aims to mitigate tensions in Ukraine and strengthen US-India relations amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to cease purchasing oil from Russia. This assurance comes after Trump imposed tariffs on such purchases.

"He's assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia," Trump stated, acknowledging the gradual nature of this process but expressing confidence in its swift completion.

During a joint press conference with FBI Director Kash Patel, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with India's previous Russian oil imports. He criticised these actions for enabling Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which he deemed unnecessary. "This is a war that should have never started," he remarked, highlighting the significant loss of life involved.

India's Role in Global Politics

Trump also addressed India's position as a reliable partner when questioned by ANI. He affirmed his friendship with Modi and praised their relationship. "Yeah, sure. He's a friend of mine," Trump said, adding that Modi assured him India would halt Russian oil purchases. He emphasised the importance of getting China to follow suit.

The US President further commented on his desire for Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. He suggested that if India stops buying Russian oil, it could facilitate the resolution of the conflict. "All we want from President Putin is to stop this," Trump stated, urging an end to the violence affecting both Ukrainians and Russians.

Modi's Leadership Praised

In response to questions about recent meetings between PM Modi and US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, Trump praised Modi's leadership. "I think they were great," he said, noting Gor's admiration for Modi's leadership and longevity in office compared to India's historical political instability.

Trump reiterated his belief that halting Indian oil purchases from Russia would ease tensions in the Ukraine conflict. He claimed that such actions would simplify efforts to bring peace between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite their mutual animosity.

"All we want from President Putin is to stop this, stop killing Ukrainians and stop killing Russians because he's killing a lot of Russians.The hatred of the two leaders (Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin) is a lot, it's an obstacle. But I think we'll get them. If India doesn't buy oil, it makes it much easier. They will not be buying oil from Russia and they'll go back to Russia after the war is over."

Averting Nuclear Conflict

Trump also recounted an instance where he allegedly prevented a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. According to him, the Pakistani Prime Minister credited Trump with saving millions of lives by averting war during a recent meeting. "The Prime Minister of Pakistan got up the other day, said so beautifully," Trump recalled.

The US President highlighted this incident as evidence of his diplomatic achievements in maintaining regional stability. He mentioned that tensions had escalated dangerously close to nuclear confrontation before his intervention helped de-escalate the situation.