Modi Loves Trump: Donald Trump Claims India Will Halt Oil Trade with Russia Amid US Tariffs

Modi loves Trump: Donald Trump Claims India Will Halt Oil Trade with Russia Amid US Tariffs

Modi loves Trump — that’s what US President Donald Trump claimed while asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia. His remarks came during a media interaction at the White House, where he discussed India-US trade relations and Washington’s stance on New Delhi’s oil imports amid sanctions on Moscow.

During the press briefing, Trump said, “He (Modi) is a friend of mine, we have a great relationship… we were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that let Russia continue on with this ridiculous war where they’ve lost a million and a half people.” The President further claimed that PM Modi personally assured him India would halt its oil purchases from Russia soon, calling it a “big step.”

Trump’s Assertion on India’s Russia Oil Trade

Trump elaborated that while India has been purchasing crude oil from Russia, the country is now expected to discontinue such trade as part of its diplomatic alignment with the United States. He added that the process “cannot happen overnight,” but is already “in progress.”

“He (PM Modi) is not buying his oil from Russia… He can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon,” Trump told reporters.

The former US President also touched upon the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, saying that ending India’s oil imports from Moscow would make negotiations between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin easier. “If India doesn’t buy oil, it makes it much easier… They will not be buying oil from Russia and they’ll go back to Russia after the war is over,” Trump added.

“Modi Loves Trump” – The Comment That Sparked Laughter

In a lighter moment during the briefing, Trump shared that Sergio Gor, the US ambassador-designate to India, had told him, “Modi loves Trump.” The President quipped, “He loves Trump… I don’t want you to take the word love any differently… I don’t want to destroy his political career,” sparking laughter in the room.

The remark, though humorous, has drawn widespread attention as it reflects the close personal rapport Trump and Modi have often projected on global platforms. Their camaraderie was prominently displayed during joint appearances such as the “Howdy, Modi!” event in Houston and “Namaste Trump” in Ahmedabad.

Backdrop: India-US Trade Tensions and Tariffs

The statement comes at a sensitive time when India and the US are in the midst of crucial trade negotiations. Earlier in August, Trump’s administration imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian imports, adding to the economic strain between the two nations.

India, currently the second-largest buyer of Russian energy after China, has continued purchasing oil from Moscow despite Western sanctions following the Ukraine conflict. Trump has repeatedly voiced disapproval of this arrangement and even hinted at penalizing India for continuing trade with Russia.

However, recent developments suggest a shift in tone. Trump has publicly expressed his intent to rebuild stronger ties with India, saying he would “always be friends with Modi.” In response, Prime Minister Modi described India-US relations as a “very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”

Also read: Gold Price Climbs To Record High Amid US-China Trade Tensions And Fed Rate-Cut Expectations.

Trade Talks and Strategic Implications

Trade talks between India and the US have been ongoing for months, with negotiators aiming to finalize a mutually beneficial deal by November. The discussions are focused on balancing tariffs, enhancing technology cooperation, and addressing energy security concerns — particularly regarding India’s oil imports from Russia.

According to reports, New Delhi is working to devise an alternative energy procurement plan that aligns with its economic needs and international commitments. A gradual reduction in Russian oil imports could potentially pave the way for stronger trade and defense partnerships with the United States.

Donald Trump’s claim that “Modi loves Trump” and that India will halt oil trade with Russia has added a new dimension to the evolving India-US relations. While the statement has stirred political and diplomatic conversations, it also highlights the growing interdependence between the two nations in global geopolitics.

As both sides continue to negotiate trade terms, India’s stance on Russian oil purchases remains a key indicator of its strategic balancing act between major world powers.