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

Trump's Statements and New Delhi's Response

Earlier this week, Donald Trump stated that Modi had assured him “this very day” that India would put an end to its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You know, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” Trump told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a media conference on Thursday, representatives from India appeared to undermine the US president’s account, stating that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions

India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.

It has been a major point of dispute with the United States in the past few months, after the US president was unable to achieve a peace deal with Moscow.

• In August, the American leader enforced some of his highest tariffs on India to sanction its procurement of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of a quarter.

New Delhi's Stance and Energy Strategy

India has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not allow the United States dictate its fuel requirements or interfere in its partnership with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the cold war.

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

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

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “safeguard the well-being of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the necessity to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Repercussions

India has reaped significant benefit from its purchase of cut-price crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers globally, second only to China.

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

The White House has frequently alleged Delhi of financing the Russian president, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, describing the war as “Modi’s war”.

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