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

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

On Wednesday, Trump stated that Modi had assured him “today” that the Indian government would put an end to its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today 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 completed shortly,” Trump informed reporters.

However, in a media conference on Thursday, representatives from India seemed to contradict the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Oil Purchases

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

This has become a significant source of contention with Washington in the past few months, since the US president was unable to achieve a peace deal with Russia.

• In August, the US president enforced some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to penalise its purchase of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged Delhi of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• The country is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Position and Oil Policy

India has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not let the United States dictate its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the cold war.

Moscow continues to be the largest supplier of arms to the Indian armed forces.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said negotiations with the United States over commerce and tariffs were still in progress.

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the necessity to broaden and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Repercussions

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of cut-price Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to the Chinese market.

However, it has resulted in a significant decline in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

US administration has frequently alleged Delhi of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, describing the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

However, on Wednesday the US president praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he remarked.