🔗 Share this article

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

The US President's Claims and India's Response

On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “today” that the Indian government 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 cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be over with soon,” the former president told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on Thursday, Indian officials seemed to contradict the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Context of India-Russia Ties and Oil Acquisitions

The South Asian nation, which upholds a close ties with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since the military action of the Eastern European country.

This has become a major point of dispute with Washington in recent months, since Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed significant import duties on India to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused Delhi of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• The country is facing extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Position and Oil Strategy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not let the United States dictate its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which originates from the Cold War era.

Russia remains the primary source of military equipment to India.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said discussions with the United States over trade and import duties were still in progress.

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all policies were dictated by the imperative to broaden and ensure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Repercussions

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of cut-price crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in February 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers worldwide, second only to China.

However, it has led to a severe deterioration in US-India relations.

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of financing the Russian president, President Putin's actions against Ukraine, labeling the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

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