Trump Says India Has Cut Russian Oil Imports, Signals Possible Visit in 2026
In a sign of improving U.S.–India relations, U.S. President Donald Trump said that trade discussions with New Delhi were progressing well and hinted at a potential visit to India next year.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump claimed that India has “largely stopped buying oil from Russia” and added that he would consider a trip to the country in 2026 if invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Recalling his previous visit, Trump described Modi as “a great man” and “a friend,” striking a conciliatory tone amid recent tensions between Washington and New Delhi.
Bilateral ties have faced strain in recent months over steep tariffs, a $100,000 H1B visa fee, and disagreements surrounding India’s imports of Russian crude. Trump’s assertions of mediating peace between India and Pakistan have also added to the unease.
Currently, Indian exports face tariffs of around 50% — higher than China’s 47%. However, both sides are reportedly optimistic about reaching a trade agreement soon.
“Negotiations between New Delhi and Washington D.C. are ongoing, and both sides appear optimistic about a trade deal being finalized by year-end,” said Alexandra Hermann, Head of Southeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics. She noted that tariffs on Indian goods could be reduced to around 20%, aligning India more closely with Asian economies like Vietnam and Thailand.
Hermann cautioned, however, that rates may not drop to Japan or South Korea’s 15% level, citing ongoing concerns over Russian oil purchases, agricultural trade, and limited U.S.-bound investments.
The U.S. recently imposed sanctions on Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil, effective November 21, prompting refiners in India and China to scale back imports.
According to Reuters, Russian crude is now trading at its steepest discount to Brent in a year, reflecting weaker demand from Asian buyers. India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has yet to comment on reports of reduced Russian oil imports.
“Completely eliminating Russian oil isn’t realistic for India in the long term,” said Prateek Pandey, Head of APAC Oil and Gas Research at Rystad Energy. “As Russian crude gets cheaper, New Delhi’s ‘economics-first’ approach will be tested more than ever.”
