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

Trump's Statements and New Delhi's Response

On Wednesday, Donald Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that India would discontinue its acquisition of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today 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 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 yesterday”.

Context of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Acquisitions

The South Asian nation, which maintains a close ties with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of Ukraine.

It has been a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, since Trump failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.

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

New Delhi's Stance and Oil Policy

India has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not allow the United States determine its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which originates from the cold war.

Russia continues to be the largest supplier of military equipment to India.

Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the United States over commerce and tariffs were ongoing.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the well-being of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all strategies were guided by the necessity to broaden and ensure India’s energy sources.

Benefits 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 February 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers globally, second only to China.

However, it has resulted in a significant decline in US-India relations.

The White House has frequently alleged Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, describing the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

However, on Wednesday the US president spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.