India Cast Doubt on Trump's Assertions About Halting Russian Oil Purchases
Indian authorities have expressed doubts regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that PM Modi had committed to stop buying Russian crude oil.
The US President's Claims and New Delhi's Response
On Wednesday, Donald Trump stated that Modi had assured him “this very day” that the Indian government would discontinue its purchase of Russian oil.
“I was displeased that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. Understandably, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be completed shortly,” Trump informed reporters.
Nevertheless, in a media conference on Thursday, Indian officials seemed to contradict the American leader's version, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump the previous day”.
Background of Indo-Russian Ties and Oil Acquisitions
The South Asian nation, which upholds a close ties with the Kremlin, has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.
This has become a significant source of contention with the United States in recent months, since the US president failed to secure a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.
- During the summer, the US president imposed some of his highest tariffs on the Indian economy to sanction its procurement of Russian crude.
- Trump alleged Delhi of contributing funds to Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
- India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, on top of a base of a quarter.
New Delhi's Stance and Energy Strategy
The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, asserting it would not let the United States determine its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with Russia, which originates from the cold war.
Russia continues to be the largest supplier of military equipment to the Indian armed forces.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said negotiations with the US over commerce and import duties were ongoing.
A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “protect the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenario” and that all strategies were dictated by the imperative to diversify and secure the nation's fuel supply.
Advantages and Repercussions
The Indian economy has reaped significant benefit from its purchase of cut-price Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of its neighbor in February 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, second only to China.
Nonetheless, it has led to a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.
US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Kremlin leader, President Putin's operations against the Ukrainian state, labeling the war as “the Indian PM's conflict”.
However, on that same day the American leader spoke glowingly of Modi. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.
