US President Donald Trump on Friday appreciated the reports stating that India might end the purchase of Russian oil. He called it a ‘good step’ during an impromptu press gaggle on the South Lawn before departing the White House.
“I understand India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard. I don’t know whether it’s right or not, but that’s a good step,” Trump said.
Trump’s remarks followed a previous statement made by him while announcing a 25 per cent tariff on India, where he said that both India and Russia can take their dead economy down. This remark led to a major political backlash against the Modi Government, with Rahul Gandhi expressing agreement with the statement.
Trump previously expressed his concerns over the growing energy and defence ties between India and Russia. He said that India is Russia’s biggest energy buyer, which is a point of contention given the ongoing war with Ukraine and the US’s efforts to isolate Russia economically.