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Indian authorities have expressed doubts regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian crude oil.

The US President's Claims and India's Reaction

Earlier this week, Donald Trump claimed that Modi had given him assurances “today” that the Indian government would put an end to its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that India was purchasing crude, 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,” Trump informed reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on the following day, Indian officials appeared to undermine the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Purchases

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

This has become a major point of dispute with the United States in the past few months, after Trump was unable to achieve a peace deal with Russia.

• During the summer, the American leader enforced some of his highest tariffs on India to penalise its procurement of Russian crude.
• He accused Delhi of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a standard of a quarter.

India's Stance and Energy Policy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not allow the United States determine its energy needs or interfere in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which originates from the cold war.

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

Just before Trump's remarks, the Indian government said negotiations with the United States over trade and import duties were ongoing.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were guided by the imperative to diversify and ensure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Consequences

India has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of cut-price crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in early 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers worldwide, only behind the Chinese market.

Nonetheless, it has led to a significant decline in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

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

However, on Wednesday the American leader praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he said.