India Express Skepticism on Trump's Assertions About Ending Russian Oil Purchases
Indian authorities have expressed skepticism regarding claims made by President Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil.
Trump's Claims and India's Response
On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Modi had given him assurances “this very day” that India would put an end to its purchase of oil from Russia.
“I was displeased that India was purchasing crude, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will cease purchasing 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 press briefing on Thursday, representatives from India seemed to contradict the American leader's version, stating that there was “no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump the previous day”.
Background of India-Russia Ties and Crude Purchases
The South Asian nation, which upholds a close ties with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.
This has become a major point of dispute with the United States in the past few months, since the US president was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Russia.
- During the summer, the US president enforced significant import duties on India to sanction its purchase of Russian oil.
- He accused the Indian government of helping to finance Moscow's military actions in the conflict zone.
- India is subject to extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of a quarter.
India's Stance and Energy Policy
The Indian administration has consistently maintained its position, claiming it would not let the US determine its energy needs or interfere in its partnership with Russia, which dates back to the cold war.
Moscow remains the largest supplier of military equipment to the Indian armed forces.
Just before Trump's remarks, the administration in New Delhi said negotiations with the US over commerce and tariffs were ongoing.
A statement by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the priority was to “safeguard the well-being of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and that all policies were dictated by the imperative to broaden and ensure India’s energy sources.
Advantages and Consequences
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 early 2022, becoming one of its top purchasers worldwide, second only to the Chinese market.
Nonetheless, it has led to a severe deterioration in US-India relations.
US administration has frequently alleged Delhi of financing the Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s operations against Ukraine, labeling the conflict as “the Indian PM's conflict”.
Yet, on that same day the US president praised enthusiastically of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.
