🔗 Share this article India Cast Doubt on President Trump's Claims About Ending Russian crude Purchases Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding claims made by President Trump that PM Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil. The US President's Statements and India's Response On Wednesday, Donald Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that India would discontinue its acquisition of Russian oil. “I was displeased that India was buying oil, 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. However, in a press briefing on Thursday, Indian officials seemed to contradict the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump yesterday”. Background of India-Russia Relations and Oil Acquisitions The South Asian nation, which upholds a strong relationship with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country. This has become a major point of dispute with Washington in recent months, after Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Moscow. During the summer, the US president enforced 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 Ukraine. The country is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of 25%. New Delhi's Stance and Energy Strategy The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the United States determine its energy needs or meddle in its partnership with Russia, which originates from the Cold War era. Moscow remains the largest supplier of arms to the Indian armed forces. Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said discussions with the United States over trade and import duties were ongoing. A official communication by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were dictated by the necessity to diversify and secure the nation's fuel supply. Benefits and Repercussions The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of discounted crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers globally, second only to China. However, it has led to a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi. The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of financing the Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putin’s operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”. However, on Wednesday the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.