🔗 Share this article Indian officials Express Skepticism on President Trump's Assertions About Halting Russian Oil Purchases Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to stop buying Russian crude oil. Trump's Statements and New Delhi's Reaction On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Modi had given him assurances “today” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of Russian oil. “I was displeased that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will cease purchasing 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 media conference on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the American leader's version, stating that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and President Trump yesterday”. Background of India-Russia Relations and Crude Acquisitions India, which upholds a strong relationship with the Russian government, has become one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of Ukraine. This has become a major point of dispute with the United States in the past few months, after Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia. During the summer, the US president imposed significant import duties on the Indian economy to sanction its purchase of Russian crude. Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone. The country is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a base of 25%. India's Position and Energy Policy The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the United States dictate its energy needs or interfere in its partnership with Russia, which originates from the Cold War era. Moscow continues to be the primary source of military equipment to the Indian armed forces. Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said negotiations with the US over commerce and tariffs were still in progress. A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “protect the well-being of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply. Advantages and Consequences India has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of cut-price crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers worldwide, only behind the Chinese market. However, it has resulted in a significant decline in US-India relations. US administration has frequently alleged Indian leadership of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's actions against Ukraine, describing the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”. However, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He has affection for me,” he remarked.