US President Donald Trump said India will "sharply reduce" its imports of Russian oil by the end of this year, citing a personal assurance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump’s statement hints at a thaw in his tough approach to India, long criticised by Washington for maintaining energy ties with Russia.

Speaking to reporters at the White House during a meeting with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said the reduction would be gradual but significant.

"India, as you know, told me that they would stop. It is a process; you can't just stop it. But by the end of the year, they will be down to almost nothing. That's a big thing," Trump said.

The US President flagged that nearly 40 per cent of India’s crude imports currently come from Russia.

"India has been great. Spoke to

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