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

Trump's Claims and New Delhi's Reaction

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

“I was displeased that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will not be buying 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 informed reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on the following day, Indian officials seemed to contradict the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Ties and Crude Acquisitions

India, which upholds a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of Ukraine.

It has been a major point of dispute with the United States in recent months, after the US president failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.

• In August, the American leader enforced some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to penalise its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
• The country is facing additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a base of 25%.

India's Position and Energy Strategy

India has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not allow the US determine its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which originates from the Cold War era.

Russia remains the primary source of arms to India.

Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the US over trade and tariffs were still in progress.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were dictated by the imperative to diversify and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Repercussions

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of discounted Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers worldwide, second only to China.

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

The White House has frequently alleged Indian leadership of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he remarked.