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

The US President's Claims and India's Reaction

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

“I was displeased that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has assured me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, 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 told reporters.

Nevertheless, in a press briefing on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Trump yesterday”.

Background of India-Russia Ties and Oil Purchases

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

This has become a significant source of contention with Washington in recent months, since Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

• In August, the American leader enforced some of his highest tariffs on India to penalise its purchase of Russian crude.
• Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
• The country is facing extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a standard of a quarter.

India's Position and Energy Strategy

The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not let the US dictate its fuel requirements or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.

Moscow continues to be the largest supplier of arms to India.

Just before Trump's remarks, the Indian government said discussions with the US over commerce and import duties were ongoing.

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the priority 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 India’s energy sources.

Benefits and Repercussions

The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of discounted Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in early 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers globally, second only to the Chinese market.

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

US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, labeling the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.

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