WASHINGTON/DELAI - President Donald Trump said yesterday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally promised him that India would stop buying oil from Russia in the near future. If fulfilled, this commitment would mark a significant change in global energy diplomacy and further pressure on Moscow in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Trump made his statement at a White House press conference. According to him, Modi said: "They will buy oil from Russia, but they won't anymore." At the same time, the president stressed that the process of restricting imports would not be immediate, but that it was "in motion."
The Indian government has not yet publicly confirmed the commitment. A spokesman for the Indian Foreign Ministry declined to comment on Trump's claims, citing ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Analysts warn that a complete disruption of Russian oil imports would be complicated - India is one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude, using it because of its low price and long-term contracts. Oil responded by strengthening - Brent crude prices rose by around 1 % after Trump's announcement hit the markets. If India does indeed halt Russian purchases, it could put pressure on other major buyers, particularly China, to rethink their energy strategy. Indeed, Trump has already called on Beijing to do the same.

In a related development, Trump has in the past imposed 50% duties on Indian products as a sanction for continued purchase of Russian oil, leading to significant tensions between the United States and India. The situation is now being watched by the general public and the diplomatic community. If India confirms and delivers on its promise, the move could have far-reaching implications for energy markets and geopolitics.

gnews.cz - GH