India Cast Doubt on President Trump's Claims About Ending Russian Oil Purchases
India has raised doubts regarding assertions made by President Trump that PM Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
Trump's Statements and India's Response
Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “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 guaranteed 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 over with soon,” Trump informed reporters.
However, 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 US President Trump yesterday”.
Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Oil Acquisitions
India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since the invasion of the Eastern European country.
This has become a significant source of contention with Washington in recent months, after Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.
- In August, the US president imposed some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to sanction its purchase of Russian oil.
- Trump alleged the Indian government of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
- India is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a base of 25%.
New Delhi's Stance and Oil Strategy
The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not let the United States determine its energy needs or interfere in its relationship with the Russian Federation, 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 negotiations with the United States over commerce and import duties were ongoing.
A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all strategies were dictated by the necessity to broaden and ensure the nation's fuel supply.
Advantages and Repercussions
The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of cut-price crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers globally, only behind China.
However, it has resulted in a significant decline in US-India relations.
The White House has frequently alleged Indian leadership of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, describing the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”.
Yet, on Wednesday the American leader spoke glowingly of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.
