Indian officials Express Doubt on Trump's Claims About Halting Russian Oil Purchases
India has raised skepticism regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that PM Modi had committed to cease buying Russian crude oil.
Trump's Claims and New Delhi's Reaction
On Wednesday, Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “this very day” 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 on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You know, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon,” the former president informed reporters.
Nevertheless, in a press briefing on the following day, Indian officials appeared to undermine the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump yesterday”.
Context of India-Russia Relations and Oil Purchases
India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil since the invasion of the Eastern European country.
This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, after the US president failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.
- During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to penalise its procurement of Russian crude.
- He accused Delhi of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
- India is facing additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a standard of 25%.
New Delhi's Stance and Oil Policy
The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the US determine its fuel requirements or interfere in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the Cold War era.
Russia continues to be the largest supplier of arms to India.
Just before Trump's remarks, the Indian government said negotiations with the US over trade and import duties were still in progress.
A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “safeguard the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply.
Advantages and Consequences
The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of discounted Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers worldwide, only behind the Chinese market.
Nonetheless, it has led to a severe deterioration in US-India relations.
US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of financing the Russian president, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.
Yet, on Wednesday the American leader spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.
