Washington, Oct 16 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'great man' and praised India as 'an incredible country'. He expressed his willingness to meet the Prime Minister during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.

When questioned about a potential meeting with Modi in Malaysia at a press conference in the White House, Trump responded, 'Yeah, sure, he's a friend of mine. We have a great relationship.'

'He's a great man. He loves Trump…I have observed India for years. It's an incredible country, and every year there seems to be a new leader. Some would stay for just a few months, and this has been happening year after year. My friend has been in the position for a long time now,' he added.

Trump also mentioned that he has been 'assured' by India that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia, while acknowledging that such a transition can't occur 'immediately.' However, India has not yet given an official response to his assertion.

'He assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia…You can't do it immediately. It's a little bit of a process, but that process will conclude soon, and all we want from President Putin…is to halt this,' he stated.

He emphasized that if India refrains from buying Russian oil, it will make it 'much easier' to resolve the ongoing conflict.

'Within a short period of time, they will not be purchasing oil from Russia, and they'll re-engage with Russia once the war is over,' he stressed.

Trump indicated that he would also pressure China 'to do the same.'

Despite India having increased its purchases of Russian oil in recent years, China remains Moscow's largest energy buyer.

In August, the Trump administration enacted a 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil while opting not to impose similar measures on China.

He also praised the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who was present in the Oval Office, stating, 'He's going to do a great job.'

'We have the new ambassador to India right here. They're well represented. You better represent us, not them, okay? But Sergio is going to do a great job,' he added.

Trump's comments come as India's trade negotiation team is currently in Washington for further discussions with US officials, with India's chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal expected to arrive late Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the Commerce Ministry revealed that India can import additional crude oil and natural gas valued at $12-$13 billion from the US without modifying refinery configurations. The government is eager to diversify its energy import portfolio, contingent upon availability at the 'right price.'

Trade talks are resuming in Washington shortly after Gor's meeting with PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi.

Gor also engaged in discussions with Agrawal and shared on X, 'During my visit to India, I met with Commerce Secretary Agrawal and explored US-India economic ties, including increased investment in the United States.'