Trump pressures Modi to halt Russian oil imports

US President Donald Trump, after an unsuccessful ceasefire attempt in Ukraine, is planning to tighten economic pressure on Moscow by potentially halting global energy imports from Russia. His focus has shifted to India and its continued purchase of Russian oil, despite his previous trade tariffs on New Delhi.

Trump has criticized India for its energy dealings with Russia, especially as sanctions on Moscow make trade possible only through non-US dollars. Washington is concerned about losing potential customers for American oil, which could have contributed to US revenues during the crisis.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized that India’s energy procurement, including from the US, has steadily expanded over the past decade, with ongoing discussions about deepening energy cooperation. Despite the US ban on Russian energy imports since March 2022, some Russian oil still finds its way to the US and its allies through loopholes.

Trump has also been vocal about European nations continuing to buy Russian oil despite sanctions, urging leaders to stop funding Russia’s war. While some European countries have reduced Russian imports, others, like Slovakia and Hungary, have continued. The European Commission aims to phase out Russian energy imports by 2028.

Trump has acknowledged that India can’t immediately halt Russian oil imports but claimed that Prime Minister Modi assured him the process would eventually end. Meanwhile, India’s purchases of Russian crude have surged due to discounted rates, making it one of the largest buyers by 2023-2024.

While Trump has criticized China in the past, he has not been as harsh on its energy dealings with Russia. His focus on India highlights his diplomatic efforts to influence major global players, using his personal rapport with Modi as evidence of his effectiveness.