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

The US President's Claims and New Delhi's Response

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

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” Trump told reporters.

However, in a media conference on Thursday, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump yesterday”.

Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Oil Purchases

India, which upholds a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude since the invasion of the Eastern European country.

This has become a significant source of contention with Washington in the past few months, after Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a standard of a quarter.

New Delhi's Position and Oil Policy

India has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not let the US determine its energy needs or meddle in its partnership with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the cold war.

Russia continues to be the largest supplier of arms to India.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said discussions with the US over commerce and tariffs were still in progress.

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

Benefits and Repercussions

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers worldwide, only behind the Chinese market.

However, it has led to a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

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

Yet, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he remarked.