Trump has said that these purchases have helped fund Moscow’s war machine and, in August, imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on India over Russian oil imports, on top of an existing 25 percent levy. This move had angered India, which pointed to China not getting punished despite its role as an even bigger importer of Russian energy.

India is looking to increase its purchases of crude oil and natural gas from the U.S. as it diversifies its energy supplies following criticism by U.S.

President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him earlier Wednesday that he would halt Russian oil imports.