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

Trump's Statements and India's Reaction

On Wednesday, Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “today” that India would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” Trump told reporters.

However, in a media conference on the following day, representatives from India seemed to contradict the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions

The South Asian nation, which maintains a close ties with the Russian government, has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude since the military action of the Eastern European country.

It has been a significant source of contention with the United States in recent months, after the US president was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• During the summer, the US president imposed significant import duties on the Indian economy to sanction its purchase of Russian crude.
• He accused Delhi of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• The country is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a standard of 25%.

India's Position and Energy Strategy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not let the United States determine its energy needs or interfere in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the Cold War era.

Moscow remains the primary source of military equipment to India.

Just before Trump's remarks, the Indian government said discussions with the United States over trade and tariffs were still in progress.

A statement by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to broaden and secure the nation's fuel supply.

Benefits and Consequences

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of discounted crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers globally, only behind the Chinese market.

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

US administration has frequently alleged Delhi of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, describing the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

Yet, on Wednesday the American leader praised enthusiastically of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he remarked.