Washington, Oct 23: US President Donald Trump said India will “sharply reduce” its imports of Russian oil by the end of this year, citing a personal assurance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump’s statement hints at a thaw in his tough approach to India, long criticised by Washington for maintaining energy ties with Russia.Speaking to reporters at the White House during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said the reduction would be gradual but significant.
“India, as you know, told me that they would stop. It is a process; you can’t just stop it. But by the end of the year, they will be down to almost nothing. That’s a big thing,” Trump said.
The US President flagged that nearly 40 per cent of India’s crude imports currently come from Russia.