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Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding claims made by President Trump that PM Modi had committed to cease buying Russian crude oil.

Trump's Statements and New Delhi's Reaction

Earlier this week, Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “this very day” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has assured me today that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” Trump informed reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on Thursday, representatives from India seemed to contradict the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Oil Acquisitions

The South Asian nation, which maintains a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.

This has become a major point of dispute with Washington in the past few months, since Trump failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to sanction its purchase of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Oil Policy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the United States determine its fuel requirements or interfere in its partnership with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

Russia continues to be the largest supplier of arms to the Indian armed forces.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said negotiations with the US over commerce and import duties were ongoing.

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were dictated by the necessity to broaden and secure the nation's fuel supply.

Benefits and Repercussions

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of cut-price Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, only behind the Chinese market.

Nonetheless, it has resulted in a severe deterioration in US-India relations.

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on Wednesday the American leader praised enthusiastically of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.