Washington, Oct 18 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump emphasized his assertion on Friday that India has "de-escalated" its purchases of Russian oil during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.

“India is no longer engaging in the purchase of Russian oil. They have significantly reduced their intake; they have mostly halted their procurement. They previously acquired about 38 percent of their oil from Russia, but that will not continue,” he stated.

Trump earlier on Wednesday claimed he had received “assurances” that India would cease buying oil from Russia, while acknowledging that the transition could not happen “immediately.”

“He confirmed to me today that they will stop buying oil from Russia… The change won't occur instantly. It's a gradual process, but it will be completed soon. Our only request to President Putin is to bring this to a halt,” he remarked.

He noted that if India refrains from purchasing Russian oil, it would facilitate resolving the ongoing conflict.

“In a brief period, India will cease purchasing oil from Russia, and they may resume after the conflict concludes,” he stressed.

Trump also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man” and described India as “an incredible country.”

On Thursday, India dismissed Trump’s claims about a phone conversation with Prime Minister Modi.

Trump had earlier asserted that during a call, Modi assured him that India would stop buying Russian oil.

Upon inquiries about the conversation between Modi and Trump, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly briefing: “Regarding the comment from the US on the energy issue, we have already issued a statement. As for the telephonic conversation, I can confirm that there has been no discussion between the Prime Minister and President Trump.”

While India has recently increased its Russian oil imports, China remains the largest buyer of energy from Moscow.

The Trump administration imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on India in August for purchasing Russian oil, while taking no action against China.

These statements from Trump coincide with India's trade negotiating team being in Washington for further discussions with US officials.

On Wednesday, the Commerce Ministry announced that India could import additional crude oil and natural gas valued at $12-$13 billion from the US without modifying its refinery setups. The government aims to diversify the nation's energy import portfolio, contingent on availability at the “right price.”

Trade discussions in Washington resumed shortly after the new US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, met with Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi.