August M
Trump urges China to follow India on Russia oil ban
Trump urges China to follow India on Russia oil ban
Trump says Modi pledged to stop Russian oil imports
President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed to ending India’s purchases of Russian oil.
The announcement comes as Washington ramps up efforts to cut off Moscow’s energy revenues and pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
A move aimed at isolating Russia
India, alongside China, is one of the largest importers of Russian crude, benefiting from steep discounts since Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow.
Trump’s statement signals a push to dismantle those economic ties by targeting top buyers individually.
India has yet to confirm the pledge
As of Wednesday evening, the Indian embassy in Washington had not confirmed Modi’s commitment.
Indian officials have long defended the country’s Russian oil purchases, calling them vital for national energy security, especially amid global market volatility.
Trump turns focus to China next
After securing what he called a big step from India, according to Reuters, Trump said his next move is to push China to halt its Russian oil imports.
However, he acknowledged the challenge, as his ongoing trade war with Beijing complicates diplomatic pressure on energy issues.
Japan also under U.S. pressure
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed he asked Japan to stop importing Russian energy during a meeting with Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, reports Reuters.
The Biden administration had previously focused on collective sanctions; Trump appears to be shifting toward bilateral pressure.
India’s Russian oil dependence runs deep
Russia is currently India’s top oil supplier. In September alone, India imported 1.62 million barrels per day from Moscow—about one-third of its total oil imports.
Any shift away from Russia would have significant implications for both India’s economy and global oil dynamics.
Economic impact may be muted
Analysts say that lower global oil prices could help India absorb the financial impact of cutting off Russian crude.
Brent futures hit a five-month low on Wednesday, easing concerns about supply shocks or major price spikes.
Trump justifies new tariffs on India
Trump has imposed two rounds of tariffs on Indian exports this year, citing frustration over Russian oil purchases.
India criticised the move, arguing it was unfair given that other major buyers like China and Turkey were not subjected to similar penalties.
U.S.-India ties face new strain—and opportunity
Despite tensions over trade and energy, the appointment of Sergio Gor as U.S. ambassador to India was seen as a goodwill gesture.
A close Trump ally, Gor recently met with Modi to discuss defense, trade, and technology, signaling continued strategic cooperation, reports Reuters.
Shift could reshape global oil politics
If India follows through on Trump’s claim, it could mark a significant shift in the international oil market and raise pressure on other Russian energy customers.
Trump framed the move as part of a broader strategy to leverage alliances in isolating Moscow economically.
This article is made and published by auk1, which may have used AI in the preparation
