India Express Doubt on Trump's Assertions About Halting Russian crude Purchases
India has raised skepticism regarding claims made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to cease buying Russian oil.
The US President's Statements and India's Response
On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that the Indian government would put an end to its acquisition of Russian oil.
“I was displeased that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” the former president informed reporters.
However, in a media conference on the following day, representatives from India appeared to undermine the US president’s account, stating that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and US President Trump yesterday”.
Background of India-Russia Ties and Crude Acquisitions
India, which upholds a close ties with the Russian government, 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 the past few months, since the US president was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.
- During the summer, the American leader enforced some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to sanction its procurement of Russian oil.
- He accused the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
- India is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, on top of a standard of 25%.
India's Position and Energy Policy
India has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not let the US dictate its energy needs or interfere in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which dates back to the cold war.
Russia continues to be the primary source of military equipment to India.
Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the United States over commerce and import duties were still in progress.
A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to “safeguard the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to diversify and ensure India’s energy sources.
Advantages and Repercussions
India has reaped significant benefit from its purchase of discounted crude from Russia since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in February 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers globally, second only to China.
However, it has resulted in a significant decline in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.
US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putin’s actions against Ukraine, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.
Yet, on Wednesday the American leader spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he remarked.
