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India has raised doubts regarding claims made by Donald Trump that PM Modi had committed to cease buying Russian oil.

The US President's Claims and India's Response

On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “today” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was not happy that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today 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 completed shortly,” the former president informed reporters.

However, in a press briefing on Thursday, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions

India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, 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 Washington in the past few months, since Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• In August, the American leader enforced some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to penalise its purchase of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
• The country is subject to extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Energy Policy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not allow the United States determine its fuel requirements or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

Moscow continues to be the largest supplier of military equipment to the Indian armed forces.

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

A statement by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to broaden and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Repercussions

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its purchase of discounted Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers globally, only behind the Chinese market.

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

US administration has frequently alleged Delhi of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, describing the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

However, on that same day the American leader praised enthusiastically of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.