US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated that India has “de-escalated” its purchases of Russian oil, while meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Trump claimed that India, which previously imported about 38 percent of Russia’s oil, is now “pulling back” and will soon stop buying it entirely.

“India is not going to be buying Russian oil anymore. And they have already de-escalated,” Trump said, noting that the process of halting imports cannot happen immediately but is expected to conclude shortly. He added that India’s decision would make it “much easier” to end the ongoing conflict.

Trump also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man” and described India as “an incredible country.” However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refuted claims that PM Modi had personally assured Trump of ceasing Russian oil purchases. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “There has been no discussion between the Prime Minister and President Trump.”

India has been importing Russian oil over the past few years, while China remains Moscow’s largest energy buyer. The Trump administration imposed a 25 percent tariff on India in August over these purchases, without taking similar action against China.

The statements come as India’s trade delegation is in Washington for the next round of talks with US officials. India’s Commerce Ministry has confirmed that the country can import crude oil and natural gas worth $12-$13 billion from the US without major refinery adjustments, aiming to diversify its energy sources at the “right price.”

Trade discussions continue shortly after the new US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, visited New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Trump’s comments highlight ongoing tensions and strategic negotiations regarding energy, trade, and geopolitics between the US and India, amid the broader context of the Ukraine conflict.