“I Don’t Want to Destroy His Political Career”: Trump Praises PM Modi, Makes Quip
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U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a great man” and asserting that the Indian leader “loves Trump.” Speaking in the Oval Office, he added with a wry tone: “I don’t want to destroy his political career.”
Trump further remarked that he had monitored India “for years,” noting that while the country often saw a change in leadership, Modi “has been there now for a long time.” He also claimed that Modi had promised the U.S. that India would cease purchasing oil from Russia — describing the transition as a process that would conclude “soon.”
Reacting to Trump’s statement on oil, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed that New Delhi’s energy policies remain driven by protecting the interests of Indian consumers amid volatility in global markets. The government emphasized that India follows a strategy of diversifying its sources to secure supply and stability.
Russia, meanwhile, responded to Trump’s assertion by stating it would not interfere in U.S.–India affairs and defending the benefit of its oil supplies to the Indian economy.
The U.S. president also criticized India’s continued purchases of Russian crude, arguing that they financed Russia’s war efforts. He said that if India halted its imports, it would aid efforts to pressure Moscow economically. Trump added that he might push China to do the same.
Trump’s remarks come amid escalating tension over India’s energy ties with Russia and ongoing geopolitical maneuvering between Washington, New Delhi, and Moscow.
