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India has raised skepticism regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that PM Modi had agreed to cease buying Russian crude oil.

The US President's Statements and New Delhi's Reaction

On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “this very day” that India would put an end to its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” Trump informed reporters.

However, in a press briefing on Thursday, Indian officials appeared to undermine the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Oil Acquisitions

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

It has been a major point of dispute with Washington in recent months, since the US president failed to secure a peace deal with Russia.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to sanction its purchase of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of a quarter.

New Delhi's Stance and Oil Strategy

India has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the US determine its energy needs or meddle in its partnership with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the cold war.

Russia remains the primary source of arms to the Indian armed forces.

Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said negotiations with the United States over trade and import duties were ongoing.

A statement by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to diversify and secure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Repercussions

India has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of cut-price Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in February 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers worldwide, second only to China.

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

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.

However, on Wednesday the US president praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he remarked.