India Will Continue To Buy Russian Oil Despite Trump's Threat

JAKARTA - The New York Times reported Indian officials saying they would continue to buy oil from Russia despite threats of sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Trump previously indicated India would face additional sanctions over the purchase of Russian weapons and oil. However, recently Trump admitted that he didn't care what India had done to Russia.

On Friday, August 1, Trump told reporters he heard India would no longer buy oil from Russia.

Two senior Indian officials said there had been no policy changes, according to a New York Times report. It was reported that an official said the government "did not provide any direction to oil companies" to reduce imports from Russia.

Reuters previously reported Indian state-owned oil refineries stopped buying Russian oil in the past week as discounts narrowed in July.

On July 14, Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on countries buying Russian oil unless Moscow reached a major peace agreement with Ukraine.

Russia is the main supplier to India, which is responsible for about 35% of India's total supply.