Trump Says India Has Curbed Russian Oil Imports, Might Visit Delhi Next Year
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump suggested that India has effectively stopped purchasing oil from Russia, a move that appears to align with U.S. pressure even though New Delhi has not publicly acknowledged such a shift.
Speaking at a White House press conference on November 6, Trump said, “India has largely stopped buying oil from Russia,” adding that relations between Washington and New Delhi are “going very well.” His remarks came amid signs that Indian refiners have been scaling back imports from Russian suppliers following new U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil set to take effect later this month.
Energy analysts and trade officials say the data supports Trump’s claim. Indian companies led by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries have sharply reduced purchases of Russian crude in recent weeks, indicating compliance with tightening Western restrictions, even as India maintains it acts solely in its “national interest.”
Trump, who has repeatedly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also said he expects to visit India next year. “He’s a friend of mine, and we speak. He wants me to go there. We’ll figure that out. I’ll go. He’s a great man,” Trump told reporters, recalling his 2020 visit to India. When asked directly if the trip would happen in 2026, Trump replied, “It could be, yeah.”
His comments come after months of strain in India-U.S. relations marked by trade disputes, steep tariffs, and U.S. concerns over India’s defense and energy ties with Russia. Experts say Trump’s recent tone signals an effort to reset the relationship, with both sides eager to stabilize ties as Washington courts India as a strategic partner in Asia.
For now, India faces a 50% tariff on its exports to the U.S. and a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa processing, which are both key issues likely to feature in upcoming trade talks that Trump said were “going well.”
The possible 2026 visit, coupled with Trump’s public acknowledgment of India’s reduced Russian oil intake, points to a tentative thaw in one of Washington’s most complex diplomatic relationships.
Dr A K Tandon
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He is known to make
November 7, 2025One sided Statement
Good if he decides to visit India
It can Change political Dynamics both with China and PAK
Sam
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India would be wise to delay the visit to after the mid-term and then decide on the visit only if the Republicans win. No point in hosting a President that is outgoing and all his policies get washed. Instead plan on the new President’s visit.
For now, India needs USA to stop funding Pakistan military. Ane announce sanctions on companies and executives that do business with Pakistani military. And continue to grow home grown defense and technology. India has a huge market and a lot of imports. Should focus on imports and reduce them one by one with incentives to local businesses in loans and tax right offs.
November 8, 2025Sam
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Why is India facing a $100,000 fee for H1B’s. There are one million layoffs announced this year. A large section of them are Indians on H1Bs. For India, it is beneficial that these guys in the USA for over 4 years and family and also US born children get jobs than getting new H1B’s come to the USA only to displace these guys and force them back to India.
November 8, 2025