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

The US President's Claims and India's Response

On Wednesday, Trump stated that Modi had assured him “this very day” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon,” Trump informed reporters.

However, in a media conference on Thursday, Indian officials appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Background of India-Russia Relations and Oil Purchases

The South Asian nation, which maintains a close ties with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since the invasion of the Eastern European country.

This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, since Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• In August, the American leader imposed significant import duties on the Indian economy to sanction its procurement of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance 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 Oil Strategy

India has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not let the United States determine its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which originates from the Cold War era.

Russia continues to be the largest supplier of military equipment to India.

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

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were guided by the imperative to diversify and secure the nation's fuel supply.

Benefits and Consequences

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of discounted crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers globally, second only to China.

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

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

Yet, on that same day the US president spoke glowingly of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He has affection for me,” he said.