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Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding assertions made by President Trump that PM Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.

The US President's Statements and India's Reaction

Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that India would put an end to its acquisition of Russian oil.

“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, you can’t do it immediately. 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 the following day, Indian officials 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 India-Russia Ties and Crude Acquisitions

India, which upholds a close ties with the Russian government, has become one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.

It has been a major point of dispute with Washington in the past few months, after the US president failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• In August, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on India to sanction its purchase of Russian crude.
• He accused the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of a quarter.

New Delhi's Position and Energy Strategy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not let the United States determine its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the Cold War era.

Moscow continues to be the primary source of military equipment to India.

Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the US over trade and tariffs were still in progress.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the necessity to broaden and ensure India’s energy sources.

Benefits and Repercussions

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

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

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, describing the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

However, on Wednesday the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.