Trump Praises PM Modi, Says India Will End Russian Oil Purchases
In a striking mix of praise and controversy, US President Donald Trump has hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man” and a “time-tested leader,” while claiming that India has assured Washington it will soon halt oil imports from Russia. Speaking from the White House, Trump described India as an “incredible country” and suggested that New Delhi’s move to end energy ties with Moscow could significantly help in restoring peace to war-torn Ukraine.
Trump, known for his flamboyant and often unpredictable remarks, appeared visibly enthusiastic while discussing his rapport with PM Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said, before adding humorously, “I don’t want you to take the word ‘love’ any differently. I don’t want to destroy his political career.” The comment drew laughter from the room but also raised eyebrows over the informal tone of diplomatic praise.
“An Incredible Country and a Strong Leader”
Continuing his remarks, Trump described India as a nation of remarkable resilience and rapid transformation. “I have watched India for years. It’s an incredible country, and every single year you would have a new leader. Some would be in there for a few months, and this was year after year after year, and my friend has been there now for a long time,” he said, underscoring Modi’s political stability and popularity at home.
The statement is seen as a symbolic gesture of goodwill, coming at a time when bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi appear to be regaining momentum after being briefly strained over trade tariffs and energy imports. Under Trump’s administration, the US had imposed heavy tariffs on Indian goods, leading to friction between the two democracies. However, the recent exchange of warm words could mark a step toward renewed cooperation.
India’s Role in the Ukraine Conflict
What drew most attention, however, was Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Modi has personally assured him that India will soon stop importing oil from Russia. According to Trump, this move would reduce Moscow’s financial capacity to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine. “He’s assured me there will be no oil purchases 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 said, calling it “breaking news.”
New Delhi has yet to issue an official response to Trump’s statement. For months, India has maintained that its oil purchases from Russia are guided by national interest and aimed at ensuring affordable energy for its vast population. Analysts believe that if such an assurance has indeed been made, it would signal a major shift in India’s energy strategy and foreign policy balance.
Trump’s Take on the Russia-Ukraine War
Turning to the conflict in Eastern Europe, Trump reiterated his belief that Russia should have achieved victory swiftly, remarking that the prolonged war “doesn’t make them look good.” He claimed that he had previously attempted to broker peace between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy but was hindered by “deep-rooted hatred” between the two.
“If India doesn’t buy oil, it makes it much easier,” Trump said, suggesting that India’s cooperation could become a crucial factor in pushing the warring sides toward negotiation. He added that India might resume energy trade with Russia only after the war ends. “They will go back to Russia after the war is over,” Trump noted.
Cautious Silence from New Delhi
While Trump’s comments have stirred both curiosity and skepticism, Indian officials have so far refrained from confirming or denying the claims. Experts say New Delhi will likely tread carefully, given its historical defense partnership with Moscow and growing strategic alignment with Washington.
Political observers see Trump’s remarks as part of his broader attempt to position himself as a global peace negotiator ahead of the upcoming US elections. His open admiration for PM Modi and India’s global rise could also resonate with the large Indian-American voter base in the United States.
As the world watches for New Delhi’s response, one thing remains clear—India’s energy choices and its diplomatic balancing act between Russia, the US, and the West continue to draw global attention.
