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

Trump's Claims and New Delhi's Reaction

Earlier this week, Donald Trump claimed that Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that the Indian government would put an end to its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be over with soon,” the former president told reporters.

However, in a press briefing on the following day, Indian officials appeared to undermine the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Oil Purchases

The South Asian nation, which maintains a strong relationship with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since the military action of Ukraine.

It has been a major point of dispute with the United States in the past few months, since the US president failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• In August, the US president enforced significant import duties on India to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused Delhi of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• The country is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a standard of 25%.

India's Position and Energy Policy

India has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not allow the United States determine its fuel requirements or interfere in its partnership with the Russian Federation, which originates from the cold war.

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

Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the United States over commerce and tariffs were still in progress.

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were dictated by the necessity to diversify and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Repercussions

India has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of discounted Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers worldwide, only behind China.

However, it has led to a significant decline in US-India relations.

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of financing the Russian president, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, describing the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

However, on that same day the American leader spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.