Trump welcomes reports India may halt Russian oil imports, calls it a 'good step'

The Hindu

2 days ago

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday (August 1, 2025) expressed cautious optimism over reports that India may be ending its purchases of Russian oil, calling it a 'good step' while addressing reporters before departing the White House.
'I understand India no longer is going to be buying oil from Russia. That's what I heard. I don't know if that's right or not, but that's a good step,' Mr. Trump said during an impromptu press gaggle on the South Lawn.
His remarks come amid growing American scrutiny of India's continued energy and defence ties with Russia, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader U.S. efforts to isolate the Kremlin economically. While there has been no official confirmation from New Delhi regarding such a move, Mr. Trump's comments mark the first public acknowledgement from the U.S. administration of a potential policy shift by India.
Mr. Trump has maintained a firm stance against countries maintaining close commercial ties with Moscow. His administration has already imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing both trade imbalances and India's longstanding energy relationship with Russia.
In his remarks, Mr. Trump did not elaborate on whether the reported change in India's oil policy would impact those tariffs or future negotiations. 'We'll see what happens,' he said.
The issue of India's energy imports from Russia has been a point of contention between Washington and New Delhi, with previous administrations urging India to reduce its reliance on Russian crude in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. India has so far defended its purchases as essential for energy security and economic stability.
Mr. Trump's tone on Friday, however, suggested an openness to engage with India if the reported shift holds. 'That's a good step,' he repeated, signalling potential diplomatic movement should the reports prove accurate.
Officials in New Delhi have historically avoided commenting on energy policy decisions until after implementation.
Mr. Trump's brief but pointed remarks come as part of a broader foreign policy strategy to pressure both adversaries and allies into realigning their global partnerships in accordance with US strategic interests. Russia remains under sweeping U.S. sanctions, and energy exports have been a critical lifeline for the Kremlin amid ongoing war-related expenditures.
(This article is published in an arrangement with 5WH.)