Business

Trump repeats claim India will cut Russian oil imports

US President Donald Trump has reiterated that India has agreed to reduce its purchase of Russian crude.

Trump said Indian PM Narendra Modi had assured him during a phone call on Tuesday that Delhi “was not going to buy much oil from Russia” as he too “wants to see the war end with Russia-Ukraine”.

Modi acknowledged Trump’s call and his “warm greetings” on the festival of Diwali in a social media post but didn’t comment on Russian oil.

Trump had made similar remarks last week, but the Indian foreign ministry said at the time said it was “not aware” of any phone call between the leaders. On Wednesday, an official at the ministry told the BBC that it had no new comment on Trump’s latest remarks.

“I spoke to Prime Minister Modi today, as I mentioned before. And we just have a very good relationship. And he’s not going to buy much oil from Russia,” Trump told reporters during the White House Diwali celebrations on Tuesday.

“He wants to see the war end with Russia-Ukraine. And, as you know, they’re not going to be buying too much oil. So they’ve cut it way back and they’re continuing to cut it way back.”

India became one of the biggest markets for Russian oil as Western nations shunned purchases and imposed sanctions on Moscow after the Ukraine war started in 2022. Delhi increased its imports and bought Russian crude at discounted prices, saying the decision was vital to provide energy security to millions of its people.

Delhi has also pointed out that many Western nations, including the US, continue to have trade ties with Russia.

In recent months, US officials have accused Delhi of helping to fund Russia’s war against Ukraine by continuing to buy crude oil, a claim that Delhi denies.

The Trump administration has put both public and diplomatic pressure on Delhi to reduce its support for Moscow’s energy market, as part of efforts to economically isolate the Kremlin and push for an end to the war in Ukraine. Oil and gas are Russia’s largest exports, and Moscow’s biggest customers include China, India and Turkey.

As part of this pressure, the US has imposed 50% tariffs – including an additional 25% as a penalty for buying Russian oil – on Indian goods.

However, the US president’s tone has softened in recent days as trade negotiations between the two countries progress.

Last week, an Indian government spokesman said discussions were “ongoing” with the US administration which had “shown interest in deepening energy co-operation with India”.

India has been locked in high-stakes trade talks with the US aimed at reaching a long-sought deal in the coming months.

Meanwhile, a report in the Mint newspaper suggested that a deal could be announced soon and “India may agree to gradually reduce its imports of Russian oil”, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

The BBC has reached out to India’s commerce ministry for a comment.

Business

Two major parks planned in Riyadh

Authorities in the Saudi capital have unveiled plans to develop two expansive public parks covering more than 310,000 square metres as part of a broader push to increase green spaces across the city.

The Riyadh Region Municipality confirmed on Wednesday that the new developments will be situated in the eastern and southern districts of the capital. The project is designed to transform the city’s urban landscape, shifting away from traditional park layouts toward integrated “urban destinations” that cater to both recreation and environmental sustainability.

Central to the design is a scenic valley that will serve as a functional and visual anchor for both sites. According to municipal officials, the parks are intended to bolster the city’s “urban fabric” by providing high-quality public areas that align with the quality-of-life goals set out in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.

The facilities planned for the 317,200-square-metre footprint are extensive. Beyond standard greenery, the sites will feature a golf course, multi-purpose sports fields, and dedicated jogging tracks. Families will have access to children’s play areas and water features, while the inclusion of a theatre and designated event spaces suggests the parks will double as cultural hubs for the local community.

“These parks represent high-quality developments aimed at expanding public spaces across the capital,” the municipality said in a statement. The announcement noted that the projects would also include a range of commercial amenities, including restaurants and cafés, to ensure the parks remain active throughout the day.

This latest initiative follows a series of large-scale environmental projects in the Kingdom, where officials are increasingly prioritising “livability” as Riyadh undergoes population and infrastructure expansion. The municipality highlighted that the design focuses on “environmental sensitivity,” incorporating innovative greening techniques to manage the arid climate while maintaining sustainable water use.

Business

Prince William to Official Visit Saudi Arabia in February

Britain’s Prince William is set to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time in an official capacity, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday. The trip is scheduled from February 9 to 11, 2026.

Strengthening Ties Between the UK and Saudi Arabia

According to Kensington Palace, the visit comes as the UK and Saudi Arabia mark growing trade, energy, and investment partnerships. It also coincides with celebrations of nearly a century of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

A First for the Duke

This will be Prince William’s first official trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of the country in the UK’s international relations and economic strategy.

What to Expect

While details of the itinerary haven’t been fully released, the visit is expected to include meetings with Saudi officials and discussions on trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

The visit signals a continued focus on strengthening ties between London and Riyadh, while marking a historic moment in Prince William’s international engagements.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM