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Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding assertions made by President Trump that PM Modi had agreed to cease purchasing Russian oil.

Trump's Statements and New Delhi's Response

Earlier this week, Donald Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “this very day” that the Indian government would put an end to its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” the former president informed reporters.

Nevertheless, in a media conference on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions

The South Asian nation, which upholds a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the invasion of the Eastern European country.

This has become a major point of dispute with Washington in the past few months, after the US president failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• During the summer, the American leader enforced significant import duties on India to sanction its procurement of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• The country is subject to extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of 25%.

New Delhi's Position and Energy Policy

India has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the United States determine its energy needs or interfere in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the cold war.

Moscow remains the primary source of military equipment to the Indian armed forces.

Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the US over trade and tariffs were ongoing.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “safeguard the well-being of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all policies were guided by the necessity to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Benefits and Repercussions

India has reaped significant benefit from its purchase of cut-price Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers worldwide, second only to China.

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

The White House has frequently alleged Delhi of financing the Russian president, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

However, on Wednesday the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He has affection for me,” he remarked.