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India has raised skepticism regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that PM Modi had committed to stop purchasing Russian oil.

The US President's Statements and India's Reaction

Earlier this week, Donald Trump claimed that Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will not be buying 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.

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

Background of India-Russia Relations and Oil Acquisitions

India, which upholds a close ties with the Kremlin, has become one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.

This has become a major point of dispute with Washington in recent months, after the US president failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to penalise its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused Delhi of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a base of a quarter.

India's Stance and Energy Strategy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not allow the US dictate its fuel requirements or meddle in its partnership with Russia, which originates from the cold war.

Russia continues to be the primary source of arms to the Indian armed forces.

Just before Trump's remarks, the Indian government said discussions with the United States over trade and import duties were still in progress.

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were dictated by the necessity to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Repercussions

India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to China.

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

The White House has frequently alleged Indian leadership of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, describing the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

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