đ Share this article Indian officials Express Doubt on President Trump's Assertions About Ending Russian crude Purchases India has raised doubts regarding assertions made by Donald Trump that PM Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian crude oil. The US President's Statements and New Delhi's Response On Wednesday, Trump stated that Modi had given him assurances âtodayâ that India would discontinue its purchase of oil from Russia. âI was not happy that India was buying oil, and he [Modi] has guaranteed me on this day that they will cease purchasing oil from Russia. You know, you canât do it immediately. Itâs a little bit of a process, but the transition is going to be completed shortly,â Trump informed reporters. However, in a press briefing on Thursday, Indian officials appeared to undermine the US presidentâs account, stating that there was âno phone call between PM Modi and US President Trump the previous dayâ. Context of India-Russia Relations and Oil Purchases India, which maintains a strong relationship with the Kremlin, has emerged as one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil since the invasion of Ukraine. It has been a significant source of contention with the United States in recent months, since the US president was unable to achieve a peace deal with Moscow. During the summer, the US president imposed some of his highest tariffs 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. The country is facing additional 25% import tariffs, in addition to a standard of 25%. India's Position and Oil Policy India has consistently maintained its position, asserting it would not allow the US dictate its fuel requirements or interfere in its relationship with Russia, which dates back to the cold war. Moscow continues to be the primary source of military equipment to the Indian armed forces. Earlier on Wednesday, the administration in New Delhi said discussions with the United States over commerce and tariffs were still in progress. A official communication by the Indian ministry of external affairs said the main goal was to âprotect the interests of the citizens of India in a volatile energy scenarioâ and that all policies were dictated by the imperative to broaden and ensure the nation's fuel supply. Advantages and Repercussions The Indian economy has gained substantial advantages from its purchase of discounted crude from Russia since Moscowâs full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, becoming one of its leading buyers worldwide, only behind the Chinese market. Nonetheless, it has led to a significant decline in US-India relations. US administration has increasingly sought to accuse Delhi of financing the Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putinâs actions against Ukraine, describing the conflict as âModiâs warâ. However, on Wednesday the American leader praised enthusiastically of Modi. âThe PM is an exceptional leader. He loves Trump,â he said.