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Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding assertions made by President Trump that PM Modi had agreed to cease buying Russian oil.

The US President's Statements and India's Response

Earlier this week, Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had given him assurances “today” that the Indian government would discontinue 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 not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” the former president informed reporters.

However, in a press briefing on Thursday, representatives from India appeared to undermine the US president’s account, clarifying that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump yesterday”.

Context of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Purchases

The South Asian nation, which upholds a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since the invasion of Ukraine.

It has been a significant source of contention with the United States in the past few months, since Trump was unable to achieve a peace deal with Moscow.

• In August, the US president enforced significant import duties on India to penalise its purchase of Russian oil.
• Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
• The country is subject to additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a base of 25%.

New Delhi's Stance and Oil Policy

India has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not let the United States determine its fuel requirements 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 India.

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

A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “protect the well-being of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to broaden and ensure the nation's fuel supply.

Advantages and Repercussions

India has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of discounted crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers globally, only behind the Chinese market.

Nonetheless, it has resulted in a severe deterioration in US-India relations.

The White House has frequently alleged 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 American leader praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.