India to Cut Russian Oil Imports After Trump-Modi Talks

The United States and India held what officials called “productive” trade talks this week, with the White House confirming that Indian refiners have begun reducing Russian oil imports by up to 50 percent.

However, Indian energy officials told Reuters that no visible cut has yet occurred, as existing orders for November and December shipments are still being processed.

During a press briefing at the White House, US President Donald Trump revealed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to stop purchasing oil from Russia — a move Trump hailed as a “big step” in Washington’s campaign to restrict Moscow’s energy revenues amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Trump said his next goal would be convincing China to follow suit, signaling a broader effort to isolate Russia economically.

India and China have been Moscow’s two largest oil buyers since 2022, when Western sanctions forced European importers to withdraw. India’s Russian oil imports reached 1.62 million barrels per day in September, roughly one-third of its total crude consumption.

Analysts, however, caution that India’s shift away from Russian crude will take time, as supply contracts, refining logistics, and price factors cannot change overnight. Trump himself admitted the process would not happen “immediately” but said it was already “underway.”

The development follows months of pressure from Washington, including a combined 50% tariff on Indian exports to the US this year — partially in retaliation for continued Russian oil purchases.