Indian officials Express Doubt on Trump's Assertions About Ending Russian crude Purchases

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

Trump's Claims and India's Reaction

Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that India would discontinue 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. You know, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon,” the former president informed reporters.

However, in a press briefing on Thursday, representatives from India appeared to undermine the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions

The South Asian nation, which upholds a strong relationship with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since the military action of Ukraine.

It has been a major point of dispute with Washington in recent months, since the US president was unable to achieve a peace deal with Moscow.

• In August, the US president enforced some of his highest tariffs on India to sanction its purchase of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of 25%.

India's Position and Oil Policy

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

Russia remains the largest supplier of military equipment to the Indian armed forces.

Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the US over trade and import duties were ongoing.

A official communication by the foreign ministry 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 diversify and ensure India’s energy sources.

Benefits and Repercussions

India has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of cut-price Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to the Chinese market.

Nonetheless, it has resulted in a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putin’s actions against the Ukrainian state, describing the war as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on Wednesday the US president spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he remarked.