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Trump Uses White House Diwali Event To Claim Modi Call, Assert India Will Cut Russian Oil Purchases

India’s foreign ministry disputes that any call occurred, complicating trade talks already strained by roughly 50% U.S. tariffs on Indian goods.

Overview

  • Trump told reporters he spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the conversation focused mostly on trade.
  • He repeated that Modi agreed to curb Russian oil purchases, a claim India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejects while stressing its market- and security-driven energy policy.
  • At the event, Trump praised Modi as a “great friend” and said he previously urged India and Pakistan to avoid conflict, claiming there is “no war” between them.
  • The remarks land as the U.S. maintains about 50% tariffs on Indian imports this year, including a 25% penalty announced in August linked to India’s Russian oil buying.
  • Trump warned that India would continue to face “massive” duties if it denies his account, with formal negotiations between Washington and New Delhi still underway.