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

Trump's Claims and India's Response

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

“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You know, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” the former president told reporters.

However, in a press briefing on Thursday, representatives from India seemed to contradict the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Acquisitions

India, which upholds a strong relationship with the Russian government, has become one of the biggest purchasers of Russian crude since the military action of the Eastern European country.

This has become a significant source of contention with Washington in recent months, after Trump failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• During the summer, the American leader enforced some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to penalise its purchase of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• India is facing additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a base of a quarter.

New Delhi's Stance and Energy Policy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not allow the US determine its energy needs or interfere in its partnership with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

Moscow remains the primary source of arms to India.

Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said negotiations with the United States over trade and tariffs 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 dictated by the imperative to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Consequences

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to the Chinese market.

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

US administration has frequently alleged Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s operations against the Ukrainian state, describing the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

However, on that same day the American leader spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He has affection for me,” he remarked.