U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to halt India’s purchases of Russian oil, as Washington steps up efforts to cut Moscow’s energy revenues. India and China are currently the largest buyers of Russian seaborne crude, benefiting from discounted prices after European nations reduced imports and the U.S. and EU imposed sanctions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Trump, who recently targeted India with tariffs to discourage its Russian oil imports, said Modi’s commitment is “a big step” and indicated that he will next press China to follow suit. The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately confirm whether Modi had made this pledge.
In related developments, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato that the Trump administration expects Japan to also cease importing Russian energy.
Bessent highlighted these discussions during a meeting in Washington, noting the broader goal of reducing Moscow’s energy revenues while maintaining strong U.S.-Japan economic relations.
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