Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to halt India’s purchases of Russian oil, describing the decision as a “big step” toward isolating Moscow economically.
Trump’s statement follows months of U.S. efforts to curb Russian energy revenues as part of sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia,” Trump said during a White House briefing. “That’s a big step. Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”
India and China are currently Russia’s top buyers of seaborne crude, capitalising on discounted rates since Western nations restricted imports. Analysts say India’s potential decision to halt Russian oil imports could mark a major shift in global energy diplomacy.
.@POTUS: Indian Prime Minister Modi "has assured me there will be NO OIL purchased from Russia." pic.twitter.com/aJpeEss9YK
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 15, 2025If confirmed, it would reshape energy markets and pressure other countries still importing Russian crude. The Indian Embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the reported commitment.
The announcement also underscores Trump’s strategy of using bilateral relationships to enforce economic measures rather than relying solely on multilateral sanctions. The U.S. president recently imposed tariffs on Indian exports in response to its oil purchases from Russia, aiming to restrict Moscow’s revenues and increase pressure for a Ukraine peace settlement.
Trump added that the process of halting imports would take time but is already underway.
“It’s a little bit of a process, but that process will be over soon,” he said.
Trump’s Peace Efforts and Global Recognition
In a separate development, Trump claimed to have “stopped eight wars”, including preventing a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan had personally thanked him for saving “millions of lives.”
Read: US Pressures India to Curb Russian Oil for Trade Deal and Lower Tariffs
At a recent press conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Shehbaz praised Trump as a “genuine man of peace”, highlighting his role in mediating ceasefires in Gaza and South Asia.
“Had it not been for this gentleman, a full-scale war between two nuclear powers could have erupted. His timely intervention averted catastrophe,” Shehbaz said.
The Pakistani leader also reaffirmed his nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “extraordinary contributions” to global peace and diplomacy.
“He has brought peace not only to South Asia but also to the Middle East. His name will be remembered in golden words,” Shehbaz declared.
The recent four-day conflict between India and Pakistan, their most intense in decades, saw the use of missiles, drones, and artillery, following an April attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
India blamed Pakistan for the assault, which Islamabad has strongly denied, offering to participate in an independent international investigation. The two nations ultimately agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which Trump hailed as another example of effective American diplomacy.
