Washington, DC [US], October 20, 2025: US President Donald Trump on Sunday reiterated his criticism of India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, warning that New Delhi would keep facing high tariffs unless it stops importing crude from Moscow.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he had spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had assured him that India would not increase its imports of Russian oil.
When informed that India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied any such recent call, Trump responded, “Then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs. But I don’t believe they said that. No, I spoke with Prime Minister Modi, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing.”
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no phone call had taken place between the two leaders in recent days. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the Prime Minister and President Trump.”
Jaiswal confirmed that the last conversation between Modi and Trump occurred on October 9, when the two leaders discussed trade relations and regional peace initiatives. “Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Trump on the success of the Gaza peace plan. They also reviewed the progress in trade negotiations and agreed to remain in touch,” Jaiswal said.
Reiterating India’s stance on energy procurement, the MEA maintained that the country’s oil imports are guided by its national energy security and economic interests, referencing an earlier statement issued on the matter.
Trump’s remarks come amid sustained Western pressure on nations to reduce their energy ties with Russia following the Ukraine conflict, which Washington and its allies argue continues to fund Moscow’s military operations.
