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

Trump's Statements and New Delhi's Reaction

On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “today” that India would put an end to its acquisition of oil from Russia.

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be completed shortly,” the former president informed reporters.

Nevertheless, in a media conference on Thursday, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions

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

It has been a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, since the US president was unable to achieve a peace deal with Moscow.

• During the summer, the US president imposed significant import duties on India to sanction its procurement of Russian crude.
• He accused the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• The country is facing additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a standard of a quarter.

India's Stance and Energy Policy

India has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not allow the US dictate its fuel requirements or meddle in its partnership with Russia, which originates from the cold war.

Russia continues to be the largest supplier of arms to the Indian armed forces.

Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said negotiations with the United States over trade and tariffs were still in progress.

A statement by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “safeguard the well-being of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the imperative to broaden and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Benefits and Repercussions

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

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

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, President Putin's actions against Ukraine, describing the war as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he remarked.