A brewing diplomatic storm: Did India promise to stop buying Russian oil, or is this a misunderstanding? This is the question at the heart of a recent clash between former US President Donald Trump and the Indian government. The situation has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the true nature of discussions surrounding India's energy imports from Russia.
On Wednesday, Trump made a bold claim: he stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that India would cease its purchases of Russian oil. This declaration came as the US has been actively pressuring countries to reduce their economic ties with Russia in an effort to curb the war in Ukraine.
However, the Indian government's response was far from a confirmation. When questioned about the alleged phone call, an Indian government spokesman stated they were "not aware" of any such conversation taking place between the two leaders. This immediate denial casts significant doubt on Trump's account, creating a diplomatic puzzle. The Indian government previously indicated that discussions with the US regarding Russian oil purchases were "ongoing."
But here's where it gets controversial... India has become a crucial customer for Russian energy since the war in Ukraine began. This has provided the Kremlin with a vital source of revenue, helping it withstand the economic pressures imposed by Ukraine's allies. The Trump administration has been actively lobbying India to end its support for the Russian energy market.
During a White House address, Trump asserted that Modi had assured him of an imminent halt to Indian purchases. In its initial response, the Indian government didn't directly refute the claim of a phone call, instead emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding Indian consumer interests in the volatile energy market. Their import policies, they stated, were guided by this objective. The second response, however, further muddies the waters, raising questions about whether a deal had actually been struck between Washington and Delhi.
And this is the part most people miss... India's continued reliance on discounted Russian crude oil has become a key point of contention in US-India relations. India is second only to China in its imports of Russian energy, which helps sustain Russia's critical fossil fuel industry. Modi's government has also pointed out what they see as hypocrisy from Ukraine's allies, highlighting their ongoing trade with Russia, including energy imports to the European Union, albeit at reduced levels.
In a recent development, the UK government announced sanctions targeting a major Indian oil refinery, Nayara Energy Limited, for its role in facilitating the import of Russian oil. The refinery imported 100 million barrels of Russian crude oil worth over $5 billion in 2024 alone.
What do you think? Is there a misunderstanding, or is there more to this story than meets the eye? Could this disagreement strain the relationship between the US and India? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
