Trump praises India for cutting Russian oil buys, but former official counters with U.S. tariffs and China’s larger imports.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump praised India for reducing Russian oil purchases, but India’s former foreign secretary, Kanwal Sibal, criticized the claim, noting that U.S. 25% tariffs on Russian oil remain. Sibal pointed out the inconsistency in not addressing China’s larger Russian oil imports, which include pipeline deliveries. Trump acknowledged China’s significant purchases and limited U.S. leverage, while stating the two leaders discussed ending the war in Ukraine but not oil trade. India maintains its energy decisions are based on national interests and market factors, not external pressure.