Trump Praises India’s Reduction of Russian Oil Imports and Sees Possible 2026 Visit
U.S. President Donald Trump praised India for largely halting purchases of Russian oil and expressed willingness to visit India in 2026 if invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, India and the U.S. are negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement aiming to double trade by 2030, though key issues like tariffs and agriculture remain unresolved as talks continue into late 2025.
In a recent statement at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump commended India for significantly reducing its imports of Russian oil, framing the move positively in the context of ongoing U.S. sanctions on Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil effective November 2025. Trump referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'great man' and friend, indicating openness to a visit to India in 2026 should Modi extend an invitation. Concurrently, India and the United States are engaged in complex negotiations toward a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) projected to expand trade to approximately $500 billion by 2030. However, unresolved issues around tariffs, agriculture, and labor-intensive sectors complicate progress, with a first interim agreement targeted for late 2025 but not guaranteed. Both sides maintain optimism but acknowledge that timelines are aspirational. Indian officials emphasize protecting sensitive domestic sectors such as farming, fishing, and MSMEs, while the U.S. seeks greater access to Indian markets. Analysts stress that fully phasing out Russian oil long-term is unlikely due to economic factors, and India’s approach balances pragmatism with strategic diplomacy. This scenario highlights evolving geopolitical and trade dynamics shaping India–U.S. relations amid wider global developments in 2025.
