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India has raised skepticism regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that PM Modi had agreed to cease buying Russian oil.

Trump's Statements and India's Response

Earlier this week, Donald Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has assured me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” Trump informed reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on Thursday, Indian officials seemed to contradict the American leader's version, stating that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and US President Trump yesterday”.

Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Oil Purchases

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

It has been a significant source of contention with the United States 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.
• Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• The country is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Energy Policy

India has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not let the US determine its fuel requirements or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the Cold War era.

Russia continues to be the largest supplier 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 official communication by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the well-being of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all strategies were dictated by the imperative to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Benefits and Consequences

India has reaped significant benefit from its purchase of discounted crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers worldwide, 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 financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

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