Trump: Modi assured to stop buying Russian oil

US President Donald Trump has claimed that his 'friend' Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, a move he described as a 'big step' towards increasing pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Speaking to reporters at his Oval Office Wednesday (local time), Trump said the US was 'not happy' that India was buying Russian crude, arguing such purchases helped finance President Vladimir Putin's war.

"He (Modi) is a friend of mine, we have a great relationship... we were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that let Russia continue on with this ridiculous war where they've lost a million and a half people," Trump said in response to a question.

"I was not happy that India was buying oil, and (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big step. Now we've got to get China to do the same thing," he said.