Former US President Donald Trump continues to maintain that India will cease its oil trade with Russia. On Monday, the Republican reiterated his claim, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally informed him of his intention to stop the “Russian oil thing”.
This marks the third time in just five days that Trump has made this assertion. The timing of his remarks also coincides with the current trade discussions between India and the United States, particularly in the context of Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports.
Previously, Trump had announced a 25% duty on Indian imports, which took effect in August. This measure was seen as a penalty related to India’s oil trade with Russia, an effort to increase pressure on Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.