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Indian authorities have expressed doubts regarding claims made by Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to stop buying Russian crude oil.

Trump's Claims and India's Response

On Wednesday, Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances “today” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.

“I was not happy that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has assured me on this day that they will not be buying 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 completed shortly,” the former president informed reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on Thursday, representatives from India seemed to contradict the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.

Background of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Purchases

The South Asian nation, which maintains a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since the invasion of the Eastern European country.

It has been a major point of dispute with Washington in recent months, since Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on India to penalise its procurement of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Oil Strategy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not allow the United States determine its fuel requirements or meddle in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the Cold War era.

Russia remains the primary source of arms to the Indian armed forces.

Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the United States over commerce and tariffs were ongoing.

A statement by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “safeguard the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the necessity to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Benefits and Repercussions

India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to the Chinese market.

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

The White House has frequently alleged Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, describing the conflict as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.