At a White House press conference, Trump says PM Modi assured him India won’t buy oil from Russia; Congress hits back, calling it a “compromise on national dignity”.
New York : In a major geopolitical statement, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that India has agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia. Addressing a press conference at the White House, Trump said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is my friend. We share an excellent relationship. I wasn’t happy with India buying oil from Russia, but today he assured me that India will not continue those purchases. Now, we must ensure China follows suit.”
The U.S. had earlier imposed an additional 25% tariff on India in August 2025 over Russian oil imports, raising total tariffs to 50%. However, the Indian government has not yet confirmed any decision to reduce or halt Russian oil purchases.
Reacting sharply, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of succumbing to Trump’s pressure. “Prime Minister Modi is afraid of the U.S. President,” Rahul wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Congress party also slammed the government, alleging that Modi compromised India’s sovereignty to please Trump. “Friendship should not come at the cost of national interest. Once again, Modi has bowed before foreign pressure,” the party said, calling him a “weak Prime Minister” who has destabilized India’s foreign policy.
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