Indian officials Cast Doubt on Trump's Assertions About Halting Russian crude Imports
Indian authorities have expressed doubts regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
The US President's Statements and India's Response
On Wednesday, Donald Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi had assured him “today” that India would put an end to its purchase of Russian oil.
“I was displeased that the Indian administration was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will not be buying oil from Russia. You know, it cannot happen instantly. There is a procedural aspect, but the transition is going to be over with soon,” the former president told reporters.
However, in a press briefing on Thursday, Indian officials appeared to undermine the US president’s account, stating that there was “no telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump the previous day”.
Background of Indo-Russian Relations and Oil Acquisitions
India, which maintains a close ties with the Russian government, has become one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil since the military action of the Eastern European country.
It has been a major point of dispute with Washington in the past few months, since Trump was unable to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.
- During the summer, the American leader imposed some of his highest tariffs on India to sanction its purchase of Russian crude.
- He accused the Indian government of helping to finance Russia’s aggression in the conflict zone.
- The country is facing extra import duties of 25%, in addition to a base of a quarter.
India's Stance and Oil Policy
The Indian administration has publicly stood firm, claiming it would not let the US determine its energy needs or meddle in its relationship with the Russian Federation, which originates from the cold war.
Moscow continues to be the largest supplier of arms to the Indian armed forces.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government said negotiations with the United States over trade and import duties were ongoing.
A official communication by the foreign ministry said the priority was to “protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a unstable fuel market” and that all policies were guided by the imperative to broaden and ensure the nation's fuel supply.
Advantages and Consequences
The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of cut-price Russian oil since Russia's extensive military campaign of Ukraine in early 2022, establishing itself as one of its leading buyers globally, only behind the Chinese market.
Nonetheless, it has resulted in a severe deterioration in bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.
US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Indian leadership of bankrolling the Russian president, President Putin's operations against Ukraine, labeling the war as “Modi’s war”.
Yet, on Wednesday the American leader spoke glowingly of the Indian prime minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump,” he said.