Critics have challenged Trump's claim and questioned why Narendra Modi would permit him to "dictate" India's oil policy.

The United States and India are nearing a significant trade deal that could see the current 50 percent tariff rate on Indian exports slashed to as low as 15 to 16 percent, the Mint newspaper reported,

President Donald Trump says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally assured him that India will stop buying Russian oil

Donald Trump is putting more pressure on India to slash its Russian oil purchases. This could deprive Moscow of vital revenue, but it will mostly just push more Russian oil into an increasingly large shadow market.

India is trying to find a way to maintain ties with both the US and Russia as it seeks to clinch a trade deal with President Donald Trump and bring down tariff rates of 50%.

The deal, which hinges on energy and agriculture, may see India gradually scale back its imports of Russian crude oil

Some Indian refiners are preparing to cut Russian oil imports, with expectations of a gradual reduction, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, with

Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, who claims Indian nationality, is a PoW in Ukraine after surrendering on frontlines. His fate may rely on Moscow requesting his return.