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

Trump's Claims and New Delhi's Reaction

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

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has assured me today that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. You know, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be completed shortly,” the former president informed reporters.

Nevertheless, in a media conference on Thursday, Indian officials seemed to contradict the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and US President Trump yesterday”.

Background of India-Russia Relations and Oil Purchases

India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil since the invasion of Ukraine.

This has become a major point of dispute with the United States in the past few months, since the US president failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• In August, the US president enforced significant import duties on India to penalise its purchase of Russian oil.
• He accused the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• India is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Position and Oil Strategy

India has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not let the US determine its fuel requirements or interfere in its partnership with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

Moscow continues to be the primary source of military equipment to India.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said negotiations with the United States over trade and tariffs were ongoing.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all strategies were dictated by the imperative to broaden and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Repercussions

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

However, it has resulted in a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's actions against Ukraine, describing the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on Wednesday the American leader praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.