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Indian authorities have expressed doubts regarding claims made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil.

The US President's Claims and New Delhi's Response

On Wednesday, Trump stated that Modi had assured him “today” that India would put an end to its acquisition of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” Trump told reporters.

However, in a media conference on Thursday, Indian officials seemed to contradict the US president’s account, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions

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

This has become a major point of dispute with the United States in recent months, after the US president was unable to achieve a peace deal with Russia.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on India to penalise its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused the Indian government of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• The country is facing extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of 25%.

New Delhi's Position and Oil Policy

India has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the United States determine its fuel requirements or interfere in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the Cold War era.

Moscow remains the primary source of military equipment to India.

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

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the well-being of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were dictated by the necessity to diversify and secure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Consequences

India has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of discounted Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to China.

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

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

Yet, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he said.