🔗 Share this article

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

The US President's Statements and India's Response

Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “this very day” that India would put an end to its purchase of Russian oil.

“I was not happy that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has assured 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 transition is going to be over with soon,” Trump told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a media conference on the following day, Indian officials seemed to contradict the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Context of Indo-Russian Ties and Crude Purchases

The South Asian nation, which maintains a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of Ukraine.

This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, after Trump failed to secure a peace deal with Russia.

• During the summer, the US president imposed some of his highest tariffs on India to penalise its purchase of Russian oil.
• He accused Delhi of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
• The country is facing additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a base of 25%.

New Delhi's Position and Oil Strategy

India has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not let the US determine its fuel requirements or interfere in its relationship with Russia, which originates from the cold war.

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

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

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the imperative to broaden and ensure India’s energy sources.

Benefits and Consequences

The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers globally, second only to China.

Nonetheless, it has resulted in a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

The White House has frequently alleged Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s operations against Ukraine, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on that same day the US president spoke glowingly of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.