🔗 Share this article

India has raised doubts regarding assertions made by President 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, Trump claimed that Modi had assured him “today” that India would discontinue its acquisition of oil from Russia.

“I was not happy that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has assured me today 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 told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Background of India-Russia Ties and Crude Purchases

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

This has become a major point of dispute with the United States in the past few months, since Trump failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.

• In August, the American leader imposed significant import duties on the Indian economy to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused the Indian government of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of a quarter.

India's Stance and Oil Policy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not allow the United States dictate its fuel requirements or interfere in its partnership with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

Moscow remains 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 import duties were still in progress.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the well-being of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were guided by the necessity to broaden and secure India’s energy sources.

Benefits and Repercussions

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of discounted crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in February 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers globally, second only to China.

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

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, labeling the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

However, on Wednesday the American leader spoke glowingly of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.