India Express Skepticism on Trump's Assertions About Halting Russian Oil Imports
India has raised doubts regarding assertions made by President Trump that PM Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
Trump's Claims and New Delhi's Response
Earlier this week, Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances “today” that the Indian government would put an end to its acquisition of Russian oil.
“I was displeased that the Indian administration 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. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be completed shortly,” Trump told reporters.
Nevertheless, in a press briefing on the following day, representatives from India seemed to contradict the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump the previous day”.
Context of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Purchases
The South Asian nation, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has become one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.
This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in recent months, after Trump failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.
- During the summer, the American leader enforced significant import duties on the Indian economy to penalise its procurement of Russian crude.
- Trump alleged the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
- The country is facing additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a base of a quarter.
New Delhi's Stance and Energy Strategy
India has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not allow the US determine its fuel requirements or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which originates from the cold war.
Moscow continues to be the primary source of military equipment to India.
Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the US over trade and tariffs were ongoing.
A statement by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “safeguard the well-being of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all strategies were guided by the imperative to diversify and ensure the nation's fuel supply.
Benefits and Repercussions
The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its acquisition of discounted crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its top purchasers globally, only behind China.
However, it has led to a severe deterioration in US-India relations.
US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of financing the Kremlin leader, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”.
However, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he said.
