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

The US President's Claims and India's Reaction

On Wednesday, Trump claimed that 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 the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be completed shortly,” the former president told reporters.

However, in a media conference on Thursday, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, 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

India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has become one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.

This has become a major point of dispute with Washington in recent months, since the US president failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.

• In August, the US president imposed some of his highest tariffs on India to sanction its procurement of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of 25%.

India's Stance and Energy Strategy

India has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not let the US determine its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the Cold War era.

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

Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said negotiations with the United States over trade and import duties were still in progress.

A statement by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “protect the well-being of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all policies were dictated by the imperative to diversify and ensure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Consequences

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of discounted Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to China.

Nonetheless, it has resulted in a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, describing the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

Yet, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he said.