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

Trump's Statements and New Delhi's Response

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

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has assured me today that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. You know, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be over with soon,” the former president informed 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 phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Background of India-Russia Relations and Crude Purchases

India, which upholds a close ties with the Kremlin, has become one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of Ukraine.

This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in recent months, since the US president failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• In August, the US president imposed significant import duties on India to penalise its purchase of Russian crude.
• He accused Delhi of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• The country is facing additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a standard of 25%.

India's Stance and Energy Policy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not allow the US determine its fuel requirements or interfere in its relationship with Russia, which originates from the Cold War era.

Moscow remains the primary source of military equipment to India.

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

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

Advantages and Consequences

India has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of discounted Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in early 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to China.

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

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, describing the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

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