Overview
- At a White House Diwali event, President Trump said he discussed trade with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised the Indian leader as a friend.
- Trump repeated that India would not buy much oil from Russia and warned that New Delhi would keep facing steep U.S. duties if it did not curb purchases.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was unaware of any conversation between the leaders and reiterated that energy decisions reflect consumer and security needs.
- The Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff announced in August as part of total duties near 50% on Indian imports this year, with trade talks continuing.
- Background reporting notes Indian refiners may gradually lower Russian crude intake over time as India remains one of the top buyers, with Russian oil comprising about a third of its imports.