Trump Releases Statement on India’s Oil Purchases

In a dramatic diplomatic development that may signal a turning point in the Ukraine war, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to halt all oil purchases from Russia — a major strategic win for the U.S. and a bold escalation in global pressure on Vladimir Putin.

Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office, Trump didn’t mince words. “I was not happy that India was buying oil,” he said, before revealing that Modi had assured him that India would be suspending purchases. “That’s a big step,” Trump added. “Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”

For a war that has dragged on for more than three and a half years, the calculus has clearly shifted. Trump’s strategy has moved from urging Ukraine to settle toward isolating Moscow economically — one major trade partner at a time. This new approach — blunt diplomacy backed by aggressive tariffs and military support for Ukraine — has begun to yield tangible results.

India’s about-face is no small feat. As recently as August, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, half of which specifically targeted the country’s purchases from Russia. At the time, India’s only response was a noncommittal shrug, stating it would continue to “look for the best deal.” But with this new commitment — albeit one that will roll out over time — Trump has forced New Delhi’s hand in a way that previous administrations failed to do.


“He assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia,” Trump reiterated. “It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon.” While India isn’t expected to pull the plug immediately, the promise signals a clear pivot in its wartime energy policy — and a diplomatic coup for Washington.

Trump, never one to understate his own role, framed the development in characteristically sweeping terms. “Who would think I created peace in the Middle East and can’t get the two guys to settle?” he mused, before adding, “But I think we’ll get them. If India doesn’t buy oil, it makes it much easier.”

The geopolitical implications are enormous. With one of Russia’s largest buyers backing away — at least temporarily — the Kremlin is under renewed pressure to reconsider its military campaign. Trump’s next challenge: China. If he succeeds there as well, it could amount to the most consequential economic pincer movement against Moscow since the invasion began.

On Friday, Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for their third White House meeting since Trump’s second term began. On the table: Tomahawk missiles and enhanced air defense to shield Ukraine from Russian drone and missile attacks. But now, with India signaling a pause in Russian oil imports, Trump arrives at that meeting with added leverage — and perhaps, renewed momentum toward peace.