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Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding assertions made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to cease buying Russian crude oil.

The US President's Statements and New Delhi's Reaction

Earlier this week, Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances “today” that India would put an end to its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was displeased that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” the former president told reporters.

However, in a media conference on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Context of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Purchases

The South Asian nation, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian crude since the invasion of Ukraine.

It has been a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, after Trump failed to secure a peace deal with Russia.

• During the summer, the US president imposed significant import duties on India to penalise its procurement of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of 25%.

India's Position and Oil Strategy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not let the United States determine its energy needs or meddle in its partnership with Russia, which dates back to the Cold War era.

Russia remains the largest supplier of arms to India.

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

A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to diversify and ensure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Repercussions

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of discounted Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers globally, second only to the Chinese market.

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

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of financing the Russian president, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on Wednesday the US president praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.