US President Donald Trump claimed he had imposed “sanctions” on India to push Russia toward ending the Ukraine war, even as he praised his close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump was asked about sanctions on countries buying Russian oil. He said lowering oil prices would force Russia to settle the conflict. Trump then mentioned India, saying, “I am very close to India and to Prime Minister Modi. I wished him a happy birthday, and he issued a beautiful statement. But I sanctioned them.”
Trump also took aim at European countries for continuing to buy Russian oil, while adding that China was paying high tariffs. He insisted that if oil prices dropped, Russia would step back from the war.
The comments came as India and the US held fresh trade talks in New Delhi, which officials described as positive.
Later, Trump posted on social media that he had a “wonderful call” with Modi, again thanking him for supporting efforts to end the war. Modi replied by reaffirming his commitment to strengthen India-US ties and backing Trump’s peace initiatives.
