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Indian authorities have expressed doubts regarding claims made by Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to cease buying Russian oil.

The US President's Statements and India's Reaction

Earlier this week, Donald Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “today” that India would put an end to its acquisition of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has assured me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. It’s a little bit of a process, but the transition is going to be completed shortly,” Trump told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on Thursday, representatives from India seemed to contradict the American leader's version, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Context of India-Russia Ties and Oil Purchases

India, which upholds a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.

This has become a significant source of contention with Washington in the past few months, after the US president failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• In August, the American leader enforced significant import duties on the Indian economy to penalise its purchase of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a standard of 25%.

India's Stance and Oil Policy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not let the United States dictate its energy needs or interfere in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the Cold War era.

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

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said negotiations with the United States over commerce and tariffs were ongoing.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the imperative to diversify and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Repercussions

India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of discounted crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers globally, second only to the Chinese market.

However, it has led to 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 Ukraine, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

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