'He is a great man': Trump says PM Modi assured him India won't buy Russian oil; hits out at Putin

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India, October 16, 2025 (Thursday)

'He assured me': Trump says PM Modi told him he won't purchase Russian oil; wants same from China – The Times of IndiaEditionININUSEnglishEnglishहिन्दीमराठीಕನ್ನಡதமிழ்বাংলাമലയാളംతెలుగుગુજરાતીWeatherSign InTOIworldUSTimes EvokePakistanSouth AsiaUKEuropeChinaMiddle EastRest of WorldMad, Mad WorldPhotosVideosWeb StoriesToday's ePaperNewsResultsLife trailSocial PulsevideosPhotosExplainersIndians in USHumouroffbeatNewsWorld NewsUS News'He assured

me': Trump says PM Modi told him he won't purchase Russian oil; wants same from ChinaTrendingJustin TrudeauPakistan Afghanistan WarGaza Hostage ReleaseAshley TellisPakistan Afghanistan ConflictWho is Ashley TellisDonald TrumpJustin TrudeauPakistan Afghanistan WarGaza Hostage ReleaseAshley TellisPakistan Afghanistan ConflictWho is Ashley TellisDonald TrumpJustin

TrudeauPakistan Afghanistan WarGaza Hostage ReleaseAshley TellisPakistan Afghanistan ConflictWho is Ashley TellisDonald Trump’He assured me’: Trump says PM Modi told him he won’t purchase Russian oil; wants same from ChinaTOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Oct 16, 2025, 11:12 ISTShareAA+Text

SizeSmallMediumLargeUS President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him India will cease Russian oil purchases. Trump expressed satisfaction with this commitment, viewing it as a significant step towards de-escalating the Ukraine conflict. He highlighted his

strong relationship with Modi and reiterated his desire for the war to end swiftly. US President Donald Trump reported on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India will stop buying Russian oil, months after Trump imposed

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punitive tariffs over the purchases. "He's assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia," Trump reported. "You know, you can't do it immediately. Moreover, It's a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be

over with soon," he added. Will India Ditch Russian Oil For The US? Donald Trump’s Explosive Claim Triggers Geopolitical BuzzResponding to ANI's question whether he views India as a reliable partner, Trump reported: "Yeah, sure. He's (PM Narendra Modi) a

friend of mine. We have a great relationship.. I was not happy that India was buying oil. Therefore, And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big stop. Now we've got to

get China to do the same thing.""He's a friend of mine. We have a great relationship. He just reported that two days ago, as you know," the Republican chief added.Trump made the remarks during a joint news conference with FBI

director Kash Patel at the Oval Office.The US President also criticised India's previous oil imports from Russia and reported: "We were not happy with him buying oil from Russia, because that lets Russia continue on with this ridiculous war, where

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they've lost a million and a half people, by the way. Russia has lost a million and a half people, soldiers mostly."He called the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict unnecessary, sayin, "This is a war that should have never started, but it's

a war that Russia should have won in the first week, and they're going into the fourth year.""And I want to see it stop. Moreover, So I was not happy that India was buying oil," Trump added.On being asked about

the recent meeting between PM Modi and US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, Trump reported they were "great" and hailed PM Modi’s persistent leadership."I think they were great. Modi is a great man. He (Sergio Gor) told me that he (PM Modi)

loves Trump.I have watched India for years. It's an incredible country and every single year you would have a new leader. Some would be in there for a few months and this was year after year after year and my

friend has been there now for a long time," Trump reported.Trump further reported that he wanted Putin to stop the war, which has killed thousands, and claimed it would become easier to end the conflict if India stops buying Russian

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oil."All we want from President Putin is to stop this, stop killing Ukrainians and stop killing Russians because he's killing a lot of Russians.The hatred of the two leaders (Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin) is a lot, it's an obstacle.

But I think we'll get them. In addition, If India doesn't buy oil, it makes it much easier. They will not be buying oil from Russia and they'll go back to Russia after the war is over."Trump again claimed he

prevented India-Pakistan nuclear conflict, saying that Prime Minister of Pakistan had recently told a group that Trump had saved millions of lives by averting a war. "The Prime Minister of Pakistan got up the other day, reported so beautifully, he

says, you saved millions of lives. He told that to a group of people right in this office. He reported the President saved millions of lives. What he's referring to is the fact that would have been with India a

nuclear war. Moreover, That was getting very close. Seven aircraft were shot down," he reported.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events

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to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our

readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPutin Aide Counters Trump’s BRICS 'Breaking Apart' Claim; 'No One Is Dropping Out, We Are United'Nord

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