Trump Claims India Will Reduce Russian Oil Imports While Pursuing Diplomatic Solutions with China

Washington has warned that Beijing could face 155 percent tariffs beginning November 1 if no agreements are reached.

President Donald Trump has again stated that India has promised to reduce its Russian oil purchases, claiming he received personal assurance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his White House press briefing, Trump explained that while the reduction process would be gradual, India's Russian oil imports would be "sharply reduced" by year-end.

"India has told me they are going to stop...it's a process. You can't just immediately stop purchasing oil from Russia. By the end of the year, they'll be down to almost nothing; almost 40 percent of the oil. India, they've been great. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi yesterday. They've been absolutely great," Trump stated to reporters.

However, India has denied making any such agreement with the United States. New Delhi has emphasized that its energy policy prioritizes consumer interests, stable prices, and secure supplies for its growing population.

The United States has already implemented 50 percent tariffs on certain Indian imports, with 25 percent specifically attributed to India's Russian crude oil purchases.

Trump expressed optimism regarding his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hoping to leverage these discussions to facilitate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, a goal Trump remains determined to achieve.

The American president indicated plans to discuss Beijing's energy and oil trade with Russia during his meeting with Jinping, aiming to pressure Moscow toward a peace agreement.

"China has a somewhat different relationship with Russia. It was never good, but because of Biden and Obama, they were forced together. They should never have been forced together... They (China-Russia) can't be friendly... I hope they are friendly, but they can't be," he remarked.

"Biden and Obama forced them together because of energy and oil. They are closer than they would normally be. I'll probably be talking about it. What I'll really be discussing with him is how we end the war between Russia and Ukraine, whether through oil, energy, or any other means. I think he's going to be very receptive," Trump added.

Washington has threatened Beijing with potential 155 percent tariffs starting November 1 if no deals are reached.

Trump's statements follow Washington's imposition of Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia for the first time in his second term. These sanctions target oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft, reflecting Trump's growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the continuing conflict.