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

Trump's Claims and India's Response

On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “today” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” Trump told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on the following day, Indian officials seemed to contradict the US president’s account, stating that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Context of India-Russia Ties and Crude Purchases

India, which upholds a strong relationship with the Russian government, has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.

This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, since the US president was unable to achieve a peace deal with Russia.

• In August, the American leader enforced significant import duties on India to penalise its purchase of Russian crude.
• He accused Delhi of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Position and Energy Strategy

India has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the United States dictate its fuel requirements or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which originates from the Cold War era.

Moscow continues to be the largest supplier of military equipment to India.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said discussions with the United States over commerce and tariffs were ongoing.

A statement by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “safeguard the well-being of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to diversify and ensure India’s energy sources.

Benefits and Repercussions

India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers globally, second only to the Chinese market.

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

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s actions against the Ukrainian state, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on that same day the American leader praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he remarked.