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India has raised skepticism regarding claims made by Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.

The US President's Statements and New Delhi's Response

Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Modi had assured him “today” that the Indian government would discontinue its acquisition of Russian oil.

“I was displeased that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” the former president told reporters.

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

Context of India-Russia Relations and Oil Acquisitions

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

It has been a significant source of contention with Washington in recent months, after Trump failed to secure a peace deal with Russia.

• In August, the US president imposed significant import duties on India to penalise its procurement of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Energy Strategy

India has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not allow the US determine its fuel requirements or meddle in its partnership with Russia, which originates from the Cold War era.

Russia continues to be the primary source of arms to the Indian armed forces.

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

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” 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 Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers worldwide, only behind the Chinese market.

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

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

However, on Wednesday the US president spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.