Indian officials Cast Skepticism on Trump's Claims About Ending Russian Oil Imports

Indian authorities have expressed doubts regarding assertions made by President Trump that PM Modi had agreed to cease buying Russian crude oil.

The US President's Claims and India's Reaction

Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that India would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.

“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. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon,” Trump informed reporters.

However, 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”.

Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Purchases

The South Asian nation, which upholds a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian crude since the invasion of Ukraine.

It has been a major point of dispute with Washington in the past few months, after Trump failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed significant import duties on the Indian economy to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged Delhi of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• The country is facing extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Energy Policy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not allow the US dictate its fuel requirements or meddle in its partnership with the Russian Federation, which originates from the Cold War era.

Russia remains the primary source of military equipment to the Indian armed forces.

Just before Trump's remarks, the Indian government said discussions with the US over trade and tariffs were still in progress.

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “safeguard the well-being of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all policies were dictated by the necessity to broaden and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Repercussions

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in February 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers globally, second only to China.

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

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of financing the Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putin’s actions against Ukraine, labeling the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

Yet, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.