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

Trump's Statements and India's Response

Earlier this week, Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “today” that India would discontinue its acquisition of Russian oil.

“I was not happy that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed 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 over with soon,” Trump told reporters.

However, in a media conference on Thursday, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Trump the previous day”.

Background of India-Russia Ties and Crude Acquisitions

The South Asian nation, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude since the military action of Ukraine.

This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, since Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

• In August, the American leader imposed significant import duties on India to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
• He accused Delhi of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
• The country is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a standard of a quarter.

India's Stance and Oil Strategy

India has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not allow the United States dictate its fuel requirements or meddle in its partnership with Russia, which originates from the Cold War era.

Russia remains the largest supplier of arms to India.

Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the US over commerce and import duties were still in progress.

A official communication by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the imperative to broaden and secure India’s energy sources.

Advantages and Consequences

India has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of cut-price Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers globally, only behind China.

Nonetheless, it has led to a significant decline in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.

US administration has frequently alleged Indian leadership of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.

Yet, on that same day the American leader spoke glowingly of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.