Journalism of Courage
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that their conversation largely focused on trade, while reiterating his claim that India won’t buy “much oil from Russia” as he extended his greetings to the people of India and Indian-Americans on the occasion of Diwali.
Trump said with India stopping the purchase of oil from Russia, it would aid in bringing peace in war-torn Ukraine, as the US president claims that Moscow fuels war machinery with oil money funds. “We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
Detailing about the conversation with PM Modi, Trump said that energy was also a part of the discussion and reiterated his claim that PM Modi has assured him India would be limiting its oil purchases from Russia. “He’s not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as I do,” Trump said, Reuters reported.
Trump has recently targeted India for its Russian oil purchases, imposing additional 25% tariffs on Indian exports to the US, making a cumulative tariff on Indian goods to 50% in order to discourage New Delhi’s crude buying as he seeks to pressure Moscow to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.
In his initial remarks, President Trump extended wishes to the people of India on the occasion of Diwali and informed that he “had a great conversation” with his “great friend” PM Modi.
“I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade…He’s very interested in that,” Trump said, adding “Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that.”
Highlighting the importance of Diwali, President Trump in his message said, “In a few moments, we’ll light the Diya as a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness. It’s knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, the revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives free.”
(with inputs from Reuters)
