🔗 Share this article

Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding claims made by Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to stop purchasing Russian oil.

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

On Wednesday, Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “this very day” that India would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” Trump informed reporters.

However, in a press briefing on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Background of India-Russia Relations and Oil Acquisitions

India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of Ukraine.

It has been a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, since Trump failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• In August, the US president enforced significant import duties on the Indian economy to sanction its procurement of Russian crude.
• He accused the Indian government of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• The country is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of 25%.

India's Stance and Oil Policy

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

Moscow remains the primary source 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 citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the necessity to diversify and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Repercussions

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of discounted Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in February 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers globally, second only to China.

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

US administration has frequently alleged Delhi of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, labeling the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

However, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he said.