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Indian authorities have expressed doubts regarding claims made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to stop purchasing Russian oil.

Trump's Statements and New Delhi's Response

Earlier this week, Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “today” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has assured me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” Trump informed reporters.

However, in a press briefing on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Context of India-Russia Ties and Oil Purchases

India, which maintains a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian crude since the invasion of the Eastern European country.

It has been a major point of dispute with the United States in recent months, after Trump failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• In August, the US president imposed some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to penalise its procurement of Russian crude.
• He accused Delhi of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of a quarter.

India's Position and Energy Policy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not let the US determine its fuel requirements or interfere in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

Russia remains the primary source of military equipment to India.

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 priority was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to broaden and secure the nation's fuel supply.

Benefits and Consequences

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of discounted Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to the Chinese market.

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

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's actions against Ukraine, describing the war as “Modi’s war”.

However, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he said.