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India has raised skepticism regarding claims made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to cease buying Russian crude oil.

The US President's Statements and New Delhi's Reaction

On Wednesday, Donald Trump stated that Modi had assured him “this very day” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be completed shortly,” the former president informed reporters.

However, in a press briefing on the following day, 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 India-Russia Ties and Oil Acquisitions

India, which maintains a close ties with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil since the invasion of Ukraine.

This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, after Trump failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• During the summer, the US president enforced significant import duties on India to sanction its purchase of Russian crude.
• He accused Delhi of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• India is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a standard of a quarter.

India's Position and Energy Policy

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

Russia remains the largest supplier of military equipment to the Indian armed forces.

Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said negotiations with the US over trade and tariffs were ongoing.

A official communication 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 imperative to broaden and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Consequences

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its purchase of discounted crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers worldwide, only behind China.

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

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of financing the Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putin’s operations against Ukraine, describing the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

Yet, on Wednesday the American leader spoke glowingly of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.