🔗 Share this article Indian officials Cast Skepticism on Trump's Assertions About Ending Russian crude Imports India has raised skepticism regarding assertions made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to cease purchasing Russian oil. Trump's Claims and India's Reaction On Wednesday, Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that India would discontinue its acquisition of Russian oil. “I was not happy that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. Understandably, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon,” the former president told reporters. However, in a media conference on Thursday, Indian officials seemed to contradict the American leader's version, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Trump yesterday”. Context of Indo-Russian Relations and Crude Acquisitions India, which upholds a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has become one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since the invasion of Ukraine. It has been a significant source of contention with the United States in recent months, since Trump was unable to achieve a peace deal with Russia. During the summer, the US president imposed significant import duties on the Indian economy to sanction its purchase of Russian crude. Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone. India is facing extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of a quarter. India's Stance and Oil Policy India has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not let the United States dictate its fuel requirements or interfere in its partnership with Russia, which originates from the cold war. Russia continues to be the primary source of arms to the Indian armed forces. Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said negotiations with the US over trade and tariffs were ongoing. A official communication by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “protect 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 secure the nation's fuel supply. Advantages and Repercussions India has reaped significant benefit from its acquisition of discounted crude from Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers worldwide, second only to China. However, it has led to a significant decline in US-India relations. US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's actions against the Ukrainian state, labeling the conflict as “Modi’s war”. However, on Wednesday the American leader praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “The PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,” he remarked.