India Express Skepticism on Trump's Assertions About Ending Russian crude Purchases
India has raised skepticism regarding claims made by Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to stop purchasing Russian crude oil.
Trump's Claims and New Delhi's Reaction
Earlier this week, Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances “today” that India would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia.
“I was not happy that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has assured me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the process is going to be completed shortly,” Trump informed reporters.
Nevertheless, in a media conference on Thursday, Indian officials appeared to undermine the American leader's version, clarifying that there was “no phone call between PM Modi and President Trump yesterday”.
Context of India-Russia Relations and Crude Purchases
The South Asian nation, which upholds a strong relationship with the Russian government, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian crude since the military action of Ukraine.
It has been a major point of dispute with the United States in recent months, since the US president failed to secure a peace deal with Moscow.
- During the summer, the US president enforced some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to penalise its purchase of Russian crude.
- Trump alleged the Indian government of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
- India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a standard of 25%.
India's Position and Energy Policy
India has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not allow the United States dictate its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which originates from the Cold War era.
Russia continues to be the primary source of arms to India.
Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said negotiations with the US over trade and tariffs were ongoing.
A statement by the foreign ministry said the main goal was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the necessity to broaden and secure India’s energy sources.
Advantages and Repercussions
The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of discounted crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in early 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers globally, only behind China.
However, it has led to 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, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, labeling the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.
Yet, on that same day the American leader praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.
