India Cast Skepticism on Trump's Assertions About Halting Russian crude Imports

Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding claims made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to cease buying Russian oil.

The US President's Claims and India's Reaction

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

“I was displeased that the Indian administration was purchasing crude, 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 transition is going to be over with soon,” Trump informed 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 Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump yesterday”.

Background of India-Russia Ties and Crude Purchases

India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Russian government, has become one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil since the invasion of the Eastern European country.

This has become a major point of dispute with the United States in recent months, since Trump was unable to achieve a peace deal with Moscow.

• During the summer, the US president enforced some of his highest tariffs on India to penalise its purchase of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a standard of 25%.

India's Position and Oil Strategy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not let the US dictate its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the cold war.

Moscow remains the largest supplier of arms to India.

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

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “protect the well-being of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were guided by the necessity to broaden and ensure India’s energy sources.

Benefits and Consequences

India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of discounted crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in early 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers worldwide, second only to China.

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

US administration has frequently alleged Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on Wednesday the American leader spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He has affection for me,” he remarked.