Indian officials Cast Skepticism on Trump's Assertions About Halting Russian crude Purchases
India has raised doubts regarding claims made by Donald Trump that PM Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian crude oil.
Trump's Claims and India's Response
On Wednesday, Donald Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances “today” that India would put an end to 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 cease purchasing oil from Russia. You know, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be over with soon,” Trump informed reporters.
Nevertheless, in a press briefing on Thursday, 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 yesterday”.
Context of India-Russia Ties and Oil Purchases
The South Asian nation, which maintains a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the invasion of Ukraine.
This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in recent months, since the US president was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.
- During the summer, the US president enforced some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to sanction its purchase of Russian crude.
- Trump alleged Delhi of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
- India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of a quarter.
New Delhi's Position and Oil Policy
The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not allow the US determine its fuel requirements or meddle in its partnership with the Russian Federation, which originates from the cold war.
Moscow remains the largest supplier of military equipment to India.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said negotiations with the United States over trade and tariffs were still in progress.
A official communication by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “safeguard the well-being of the citizens of India in a unstable fuel market” and that all strategies were guided by the necessity to diversify and ensure India’s energy sources.
Advantages and Consequences
India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of cut-price Russian oil since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, only behind China.
However, it has resulted in a significant decline in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.
The White House has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s actions against the Ukrainian state, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.
Yet, on that same day the US president spoke glowingly of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He has affection for me,” he said.
