India's purchase of Russian oil figures in talks, says UK PM Keir Starmer

MUMBAI: Speaking to the media on Thursday after his meeting with PM Modi in Mumbai, UK PM Keir Starmer confirmed that the issue of India's purchase of Russian oil amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict was discussed between them. The UK leads the coalition of the willing which has pledged support for Ukraine.

When asked a direct question on whether he asked Modi to stop buying Russian oil, Starmer said, "On the issue of Russia-Ukraine, we did discuss this and looked at particularly the outcome that we both want. The focus on ending the conflict and the various steps that can be taken and that was a wide-ranging discussion."

"We did set out the steps that we are taking in relation to energy, particularly on the shadow fleet and the work of the coalition of the willing," he added. The shadow fleet is a fleet of tankers used by Russia to sell oil and gas by evading Western sanctions.

Starmer praised US president Donald Trump for the peace deal on Gaza , which he hailed as a major breakthrough. "I strongly welcome this deal. It is a profound relief to the world and to the hostages and their families in Gaza as well as the civilians who have been so affected. The UK is ready to work with the others to work towards implementing it in full and without delay," he said.