Held discussions with ‘great friend’ PM Modi on trade, says Trump as he extends Diwali wishes to India

United States President Donald Trump said he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, with their conversation focused largely on trade."Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade... He's very interested in that. 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. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing. He's a great person, and he's become a great friend of mine over the years," Trump said during Diwali celebrations at White House. Commenting on the talks held between the two leaders, PM Modi, "Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms."Trump repeats 'Russian oil' claim While speaking to reporters, Trump claimed once again that PM Modi wants the Russia-Ukraine war to end soon, adding that India is not going to buy much oil from Russia. However, Ministry of External Affairs had said that it was unaware of claims made by Trump previously about India cutting its purchases from Russia, reiterating that India’s energy policy remains guided by consumer interests. According to a Reuters report, officials said refiners may lower Russian crude imports over time, while increasing purchases from the United States.At present, India and China are the two top buyers of Russian seaborne crude exports.Trump has recently targeted India for its Russian oil purchases, imposing tariffs on Indian exports to the U.S. to discourage the country's crude buying as he seeks to pressure Moscow to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.Trump hit India with 50% tariffs on its exports to the US in part to pressure New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil and to counter what the US has cast as high levies and other barriers on American goods.India became a major importer of Russian crude after the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, buying oil at a discount. Russian oil makes up about a third of India’s overall imports despite the US push to curb flows.