New Delhi: US president Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that India would soon stop buying Russian oil as Prime Minister Modi has personally assured him. The Indian government is however yet to confirm the US President’s assertion.
From the White Housing, Trump told reporters that he expressed his concern to PM Modi regarding purchase of Russian crude which according to him is funding Moscow’s war on Ukraine. “I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Thats a big stop,” Tump said.
He is not buying oil: Trump
“He [Modi] is a friend of mine. We have a great relationship. He just said that two days ago, as you know. We have a great relationship. Now, we were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that lets Russia continue on with this ridiculous war,” Trump said answering the question on weather the US sees India as a reliable partner following China’s export curbs on rare earths.
“Now I got to get China to do the same thing. You know, that that is relatively easy compared to what we just did over the last week in the Middle East,” Trump added.
India is one of the largest importers of Russian crude, second only to China. President Trump since long has been accusing India of funding Russia’s war on Ukraine which has been continuing since four years. If Trump’s assertion of India halting its import from Russia turns out to be true, it could increase the negotiation pressure on
Sergio Gor told me that Modi loves me: Trump
Trump’s statement comes less than a week after its newly appointed Indian ambassador, Sergio Gor met PM Modi. The appointment of Sergio, a close aide of Trump, is being seen as a sign of resumption of the US-India bilateral relationship.
Responding to the question from ANI regarding the meeting, Trump said he was happy with the interaction between Gor and the Indian prime minister. “I think they were great. Modi is a great man,” Trump said.
“He [Sergio Gor] told me that he [Modi] loves Trump. 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. My friend has been there now for a long time, and he’s assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia,” Trump said.