White House Claims India Reducing Russian Oil Imports at Trump’s Request; India Denies Policy Shift

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday stated that India has reduced its imports of Russian oil at the request of US President Donald Trump, while China is reportedly taking similar steps. Speaking at a press briefing, Leavitt said:

“If you read the sanctions and look at them, they're pretty hefty. We know India has done the same at the request of the president… It’s a full-court press.”

Leavitt added that Trump has also urged European allies to halt purchases of Russian oil, highlighting ongoing US efforts to pressure Moscow through sanctions.

This statement followed Trump’s earlier claim that India would gradually cut Russian oil imports to “almost nothing” by year-end, noting that the country currently imports nearly 40% of its oil from Russia.

However, India has rejected reports of any policy change, emphasizing that its energy strategy prioritizes domestic consumer interests. The clarification comes in the wake of a 50% US tariff on Indian goods, reportedly imposed in response to India’s continued Russian oil purchases.

The conflicting statements underscore tensions between the US and India over energy trade and sanctions, highlighting the complex balance New Delhi seeks between global diplomatic pressures and domestic economic priorities.