Trump: India Will Halt Russian Oil Purchases Until Ukraine War Ends
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia — a move Trump hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough in the push to end the war in Ukraine.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the commitment from India as a significant step toward isolating Russian President Vladimir Putin economically.
“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and [Modi] assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step. Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing,” Trump said.
According to the president, India’s transition away from Russian energy won’t happen overnight, but the process has already begun. “He’s assured me that there will be no oil purchased from Russia,” Trump added. “It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon.”
The pledge comes as Trump pivots his strategy in the Ukraine conflict. Rather than solely pressuring Ukraine to make diplomatic concessions, Trump has focused on squeezing Putin by tightening Russia’s economic lifelines — especially oil exports. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has expanded sanctions, strengthened Ukraine’s military position, and launched a full-scale diplomatic campaign to deny Moscow funding for its war effort.
“All we want from President Putin is to stop this — stop killing Ukrainians and stop killing Russians,” Trump told reporters. “Who would think I created peace in the Middle East and can’t get the two guys to settle? But I think we’ll get them. If India doesn’t buy oil, it makes it much easier.”
Modi’s move marks a dramatic shift from India’s prior stance. Despite pressure from Western nations, New Delhi had continued to purchase heavily discounted Russian oil, arguing it was acting in its own economic interest. In August, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports — a decision partly aimed at punishing India’s continued oil deals with Moscow.
At the time, India defended its position by saying it would pursue the “best deal” available. There were no indications New Delhi planned to reverse course — until now.
Should Modi follow through on the pledge, the impact on Russia’s energy revenues could be significant. India emerged as one of Russia’s top oil buyers after European markets imposed embargoes following the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
The announcement also signals a potential warming of ties between Washington and New Delhi. The decision is likely to be viewed as a goodwill gesture toward Trump, especially after a rocky patch in trade relations.
President Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday. The meeting is expected to focus on expanding U.S. military aid to Ukraine, including the possible provision of Tomahawk missiles and enhanced air defense capabilities.
Friday’s summit will be Zelensky’s third White House visit since Trump returned to office and follows a string of battlefield gains by Ukrainian forces amid renewed Western support.
With India now on board to halt Russian oil purchases, Trump is expected to increase pressure on China — Russia’s largest remaining buyer of crude — to take similar steps.
“Once India is out, it’s China’s turn,” a senior administration official told reporters. “Every dollar Russia makes on oil is a bullet in Ukraine’s direction. President Trump knows that, and he’s acting accordingly.”
If China were to follow India’s lead, it could amount to a near-total shutdown of Russia’s most vital source of revenue — forcing Moscow to face a stark choice: escalate, or negotiate.