Overview

• Speaking in the Oval Office, President Trump said Modi pledged to end Russian oil imports after a brief transition and added he now wants China to do the same.
• India’s foreign ministry said discussions with Washington are ongoing and emphasized that import decisions prioritize shielding consumers and ensuring reliable energy supplies.
• China’s foreign ministry defended its purchases from Russia as legitimate commerce and condemned U.S. pressure as unilateral intimidation and economic coercion.
• The White House has paired diplomacy with trade leverage, raising tariffs on Indian goods since August, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Japan the U.S. expects an end to its Russian oil and gas imports under G7 efforts.
• India has become a major buyer of discounted Russian crude since 2022, and officials say replacing those volumes would require time and logistical adjustments, even as Russian officials express confidence the partnership will continue.