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Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding claims made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.

Trump's Claims and India's Response

On Wednesday, Donald Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “today” that the Indian government would put an end to its acquisition of Russian oil.

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be over with soon,” Trump told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on Thursday, Indian officials appeared to undermine the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions

India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Russian government, has become one of the largest buyers of Russian crude since the military action of the Eastern European country.

It has been a significant source of contention with Washington in the past few months, since Trump failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• During the summer, the American leader enforced significant import duties on India to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused Delhi of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of 25%.

New Delhi's Position and Energy Strategy

India has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not allow the US dictate its fuel requirements or meddle in its partnership with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the Cold War era.

Russia remains the largest supplier of arms to the Indian armed forces.

Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi 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 dictated by the necessity to broaden and secure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Repercussions

India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of discounted Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers globally, second only to China.

However, it has led to a severe deterioration in US-India relations.

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of financing the Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s operations against Ukraine, describing the war as “Modi’s war”.

However, on that same day the American leader praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he said.