🔗 Share this article

India has raised doubts regarding assertions made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to cease purchasing Russian oil.

Trump's Statements and India's Reaction

On Wednesday, Trump stated that Modi had assured him “today” that India would put an end to its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was displeased that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has assured 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 completed shortly,” Trump told reporters.

However, in a media conference on the following day, Indian officials seemed to contradict the American leader's version, stating that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Context of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Acquisitions

India, which upholds a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian crude since the military action of the Eastern European country.

It has been a major point of dispute with Washington in the past few months, after the US president was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on India to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• The country is facing extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of a quarter.

New Delhi's Position and Energy Strategy

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

Russia continues to be the primary source of arms to India.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said discussions with the US over trade and import duties were ongoing.

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “protect the well-being of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all strategies were dictated by the imperative to broaden and ensure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Repercussions

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its purchase of cut-price crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers globally, second only to China.

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

US administration has frequently alleged Delhi of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

However, on Wednesday the American leader spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.