Modi assures to stop buying oil from Russia; a big step, says Trump

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India will stop buying oil from Russia. Trump also said that this move is a big step in efforts to isolate Russia economically. He told the media during an event at the White House.

'I was not happy with India buying oil from Russia. Narendra Modi assured me that he will not buy oil from Russia. That’s a big step. Now we will push China to do the same thing,' Trump said. Trump said India cannot stop imports immediately and that there is a small process for this, but that process will be completed soon. However, the Indian Embassy in Washington has not yet responded to a question about whether Modi made such a commitment to Trump.

The US is trying to cut off Russia's oil revenues as the war with Ukraine continues. If India decides to stop buying oil, it will be a turning point in global energy diplomacy. It could also affect other countries that still import Russian oil. The new statement comes at a time when Trump is trying to use bilateral relations to isolate Russia economically.