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

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

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

“I was displeased that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be over with soon,” Trump told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a media conference on the following day, Indian officials appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and US President Trump yesterday”.

Background of India-Russia Relations and Oil Acquisitions

India, which upholds a strong relationship with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since the invasion of Ukraine.

It has been a significant source of contention with Washington in the past few months, after the US president was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• In August, the American leader enforced significant import duties on India to penalise its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused Delhi of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• India is facing extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Oil Policy

The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not allow the US determine its energy needs or interfere in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

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

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said discussions with the US over trade and import duties were still in progress.

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “safeguard the well-being of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were dictated by the necessity to diversify and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Consequences

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

Nonetheless, it has resulted in a significant decline in US-India relations.

The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on that same day the American leader praised enthusiastically of Modi. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He has affection for me,” he remarked.