The relationship between India and the United States has seen several instances where Donald Trump’s statements were later denied by Indian authorities. On October 22, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had discussed refraining from war with Pakistan, a claim that India officially dismissed. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no such conversation had taken place.
Earlier, Trump claimed that India had completely stopped buying oil from Russia. However, he has now adjusted his statement, saying India is gradually reducing oil imports from Russia and will almost end them by the end of this year.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on October 22, Trump said, “Stopping oil purchases is a process that cannot happen overnight, but by the end of the year, they will bring it down to zero. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi about this just yesterday. It’s significant — around 40% of their oil supply.”
Trump also mentioned that the relationship between Russia and China has become closer due to the policies of Joe Biden and Barack Obama. “Historically, Russia and China were never so close, but the Biden-Obama policies have brought them together,” he said.
The United States has imposed economic sanctions on India aimed at pressuring Russia financially. Trump has repeatedly claimed that India’s oil purchases help fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. His administration has imposed up to 50 tariffs on India, including 25% reciprocal tariffs and a 25% penalty on oil imports from Russia.
According to White House Press Secretary Carolina Levitt, these measures are designed to put “secondary pressure” on Russia to end the conflict.
Despite Trump’s claims, data from commodity and shipping tracker Kpler shows that Russia remains India’s largest oil supplier. In September 2025, India imported about 34% of its oil from Russia. During the first eight months of 2025, imports dropped by 10%, but private refineries like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy have increased their purchases.
In August 2025, India imported an average of 1.72 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from Russia, which fell slightly to 1.61 million bpd in September.
Experts believe this reduction is due to US diplomatic pressure and efforts by India to diversify its energy sources.