US President Donald Trump has reiterated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him during a recent phone call that India would significantly reduce its purchases of Russian crude oil. Trump made the statement during the White House Diwali celebrations on Tuesday, emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. He added that Modi shares the desire to see an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has committed to cutting back on Russian oil imports. However, Modi’s social media post acknowledging Trump’s Diwali greetings did not mention any agreement on oil purchases, and the Indian foreign ministry has yet to confirm the details of the conversation. This follows Trump’s earlier claims last week, which were met with skepticism by Indian officials. India has been one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow following the Ukraine invasion in 2022. Delhi has defended its imports, citing the need for affordable energy to ensure domestic energy security. The US has criticized India’s reliance on Russian oil, accusing it of indirectly funding the war. In response, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil. Despite these tensions, recent trade negotiations between the US and India have shown signs of progress, with reports suggesting a potential agreement to gradually reduce India’s Russian oil imports. The Indian government has acknowledged ongoing discussions with the US, emphasizing mutual interest in deepening energy cooperation. As both nations navigate these high-stakes talks, the outcome could significantly impact their economic and diplomatic ties.