NEW DELHI — India will continue purchasing discounted oil from Russia despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that New Delhi would halt such imports, according to multiple media reports Saturday.
The New York Times, citing two senior Indian officials, said India has no plans to stop buying Russian crude, while Russian state news agency Tass quoted a government source in New Delhi as saying there were “no indications” of any policy change.
The source added that Indian refineries would keep making purchases based on pricing and other economic considerations.
Trump told reporters, “I understand India no longer is going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard. I don’t know if that’s right or not, but that’s a good step. We’ll see what happens.”
The U.S. president has repeatedly accused India of unfair trade practices and maintaining extensive energy and arms ties with Russia.
On Wednesday, Trump announced 25% tariffs on Indian goods, escalating trade tensions between the two countries. — Agencies