### Trump Claims Major Shift in India’s Oil Policy Amidst Global Tensions - In a recent statement, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to halt oil purchases from Russia, a significant move amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions against Moscow. This claim comes as part of broader U.S. efforts to pressure countries into reducing their reliance on Russian energy sources, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its global ramifications. Trump's assertion has sparked discussions about the implications for U.S.-India relations, especially given the existing strains over tariffs and trade policies [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/trump-claims-india-has-stopped-buying-oil-from-russia/20251018.htm]. ### Breakdown of Claims and Responses 1. **Trump's Assertion**: Trump claims that Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil, framing it as a "big step" in increasing pressure on Moscow [https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-claims-major-concession-from-india-over-russian-oil-10887195]. 2. **India's Response**: The Indian government has not confirmed Trump's claims, emphasizing that its energy sourcing decisions are guided by consumer interests and market conditions [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/did-modi-really-assure-trump-on-not-buying-russian-oil-govt-responds/20251016.htm]. 3. **Geopolitical Context**: The U.S. and its allies have been urging nations like India and China to reduce their oil imports from Russia as part of sanctions aimed at crippling the Kremlin's economy [https://www.inspirepreneurmagazine.com/us-and-uk-push-india-china-to-stop-buying-russian-oil]. 4. **Criticism of Trump's Claims**: Critics have questioned the validity of Trump's statements, suggesting that Modi would not allow external pressures to dictate India's energy policy [https://www.newsweek.com/india-trump-claim-russian-oil-pledge-10887871]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Statements from Officials**: Trump has reiterated his claims multiple times, stating that Modi's assurance is a significant diplomatic achievement [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/india-not-going-to-buy-russian-oil-anymore-trump-repeats-claim-during-meeting-with-zelensky-101760736973162.html]. - **Market Implications**: If India were to cease its Russian oil imports, it could reshape global energy markets, as India is one of the largest consumers of Russian oil [https://www.tbsnews.net/world/south-asia/indian-refiners-prepare-cut-russian-oil-imports-sources-1262001]. - **Energy Policy**: India's Ministry of External Affairs has stated that its energy choices are based on consumer interests, indicating a more complex decision-making process than simply adhering to U.S. demands [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Oct/16/energy-choices-guided-by-consumer-interest-india-after-trump-claims-modi-assured-halt-to-russian-oil]. ### Conclusion: An Uncertain Future for India-Russia Relations - **Key Findings**: 1. Trump's claims about Modi's assurance to stop buying Russian oil remain unverified by the Indian government, highlighting a potential disconnect between U.S. expectations and India's strategic interests. 2. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with the U.S. actively seeking to isolate Russia economically, but India's response indicates a cautious approach to its energy policy. 3. The situation underscores the complexities of international relations, where economic interests and diplomatic pressures often collide. - **Next Steps**: Observers will need to monitor how India navigates its energy sourcing in the coming months, especially in light of ongoing U.S. pressure and the evolving geopolitical context [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/us-india-trump-modi-russia-oil-stop-buying-5405061].