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

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

On Wednesday, Donald Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that India would put an end to its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” the former president told reporters.

However, in a press briefing on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the US president’s account, stating that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Context of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Acquisitions

The South Asian nation, which upholds a close ties with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of Ukraine.

This has become a major point of dispute with Washington in recent months, since Trump failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• During the summer, the US president imposed significant import duties on the Indian economy to penalise its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused Delhi of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Energy Strategy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not let the United States dictate its fuel requirements or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

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

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said discussions with the United States over trade and import duties were still in progress.

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the well-being of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all strategies were guided by the imperative to broaden and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Consequences

India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers globally, only behind the Chinese market.

Nonetheless, it has led to a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, President Putin's actions against Ukraine, describing the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

However, on Wednesday the American leader praised enthusiastically of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he remarked.