India Cuts Russian Oil Imports by Half Under U.S. Pressure, Exposing ‘Independent Policy’ Claims

WASHINGTON: India has reduced its imports of Russian oil by 50 percent following U.S. pressure and stricter trade conditions, once again casting doubt on New Delhi’s claims of maintaining an independent foreign policy.

According to White House officials, during recent negotiations between Washington and New Delhi, the U.S. made it clear that continued imports of Russian oil would result in **economic pressure and additional tariffs** on India. As a result, **Indian refineries have already halved their oil imports from Russia**.

Sources said Indian companies are preparing to **gradually phase out their dependence on Russian crude**, with the process expected to begin in **December**.

Meanwhile, U.S. President **Donald Trump** claimed during an Oval Office briefing that Indian Prime Minister **Narendra Modi** had assured him that India would **stop purchasing Russian oil**. Trump added that he was previously unhappy with India’s continued oil trade with Russia but said the issue has now been resolved.

On the other hand, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, in its usual fashion, has **denied the reports**, attempting to downplay the U.S. pressure and maintain the image of policy independence.