India cutting Russian oil imports by 50%: White House

The United States and India have held productive trade talks, and Indian refiners are already cutting Russian oil imports by 50%, a White House official told Reuters on Thursday.

However, Indian sources said the cut was not visible yet, though it could be reflected in import numbers for December or January. Refiners had already placed orders for November loading that included some cargoes for December arrival as well, the sources said.

The Indian government has not yet informed refiners of a request to cut Russian imports, they added.

India’s oil ministry and all of the Indian refiners that buy Russian oil did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to stop purchasing oil from Russia, marking a major development in Washington’s global push to curb Moscow’s energy income amid the ongoing Ukraine war.

Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump said he would next turn his focus toward persuading China to halt similar purchases, signaling a new phase in his administration’s strategy to economically isolate the Kremlin.

“So I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step. Now we’re going to get China to do the same thing.”