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Modi, Narendra

Trump Suggests India to Taper Russian Oil Purchases Without Completely Stopping Transactions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US President Donald Trump spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, suggesting that New Delhi would be reducing its oil purchases from Russia but not completely stopping the transactions. Trump made these remarks at a White House Diwali event, indicating a good relationship between the two leaders. Modi confirmed the call but did not address the issue of capping Russian oil. The US and India seem to be at odds over talks between the two leaders, with the MEA denying any discussion on Pakistan in the Diwali phone call.

Key Takeaways:

  • US President Donald Trump spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, suggesting that India would taper its Russian oil purchases without completely stopping the transactions.
  • Trump mentioned a good relationship between the two leaders, stating that they both want to see the war between Russia and Ukraine end.
  • Modi confirmed the call but did not address the issue of capping Russian oil.
  • The US and India seem to be at odds over talks between the two leaders, with the MEA denying any discussion on Pakistan in the Diwali phone call.
  • Trump hinted at upcoming agreements with India, saying he is "working on some great deals between our countries."
  • The India-US meeting may happen as early as next week on the sidelines of the Asean summit in Malaysia.
  • A targeted trimming of Russian oil purchases by India could result in a concurrent lowering of US tariffs on Indian exports.
  • Trump will visit Japan for bilateral talks following the Asean meet and is expected to meet China's President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
  • Leaders of Russia, China, and India appear to be leery of meeting Trump due to his lack of serious preparation and penchant for public diplomacy.

Statistics:

  • US President Trump mentioned that India has "cut it (oil purchases) way back" and are continuing to cut it way back.
  • The Asean summit in Malaysia may be the next stop for a potential India-US meeting.
  • The G20 summit in South Africa next month may also be an opportunity for a meeting between Trump and Modi.
  • The US president mentioned that he will be in Malaysia for the Asean summit.
  • Trade negotiations and tariffs are a major point of contention between the two leaders.

Sources:

  • TNN Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he had spoken to "Prime Minister Modi today" and that "he's (Modi's) not going to buy much oil from Russia".
  • A social media post by PM Modi confirmed Trump's call but did not address the issue of capping Russian oil.
  • The MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) denied any discussion on Pakistan in the Diwali phone call.
  • The White House Diwali event was attended by prominent Indian-Americans in the administration and the corporate world.

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