India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied knowledge of an alleged phone call in which US President Donald Trump claimed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
Looks like the India-US dialogue has become a tale of twisted words – with Trump making apparent and big claims every time he addresses a press meet. The latest bloom in this garden of alleged claims is of a stance stating that India has agreed to stop procuring any further Russian crude oil, as a mark of solidarity and support towards the United States.
The clarification came a day after Donald Trump stated that PM Narendra Modi had personally assured him of ending India’s Russian oil imports – remarks that quickly made global headlines. During a press briefing on October 16, an MEA spokesperson said, “We are not aware of any conversation between the two leaders taking place yesterday.” The statement effectively cast doubt on Trump’s version of events and suggested that no such communication had occurred. The spokesperson further reiterated that discussions between New Delhi and Washington on energy trade and sanctions compliance were “ongoing.”
Trump’s remarks came amid his administration’s intensified efforts to isolate Russia economically following the prolonged war in Ukraine. Washington has repeatedly urged major buyers like India and China to cut down on imports of discounted Russian crude—revenues that have become a financial lifeline for Moscow’s wartime economy.
India, however, has consistently defended its decision to continue purchasing Russian oil. The Modi government argues that such imports are critical to meeting the country’s growing energy needs at affordable prices. Indian officials have also accused Western nations of “double standards,” pointing out that European countries continue to engage in significant trade with Russia, including energy transactions, albeit at reduced levels.
Despite mounting pressure from the United States and its allies, India has maintained that its relationship with Russia is based on long-standing strategic and economic ties. New Delhi’s approach has centered on balancing its partnerships with both the West and Moscow while prioritizing national energy security.
In a new round of sanctions announced this week, the United Kingdom signaled growing frustration with India’s energy trade with Russia. The UK government said it would impose measures targeting a major Indian oil refiner, Nayara Energy Limited, accusing it of helping keep Russian oil flowing to international markets.
Energy analysts note that India now ranks second only to China in terms of Russian crude imports, a factor that continues to fuel diplomatic tension with Washington DC. While the US has so far refrained from imposing direct sanctions on Indian entities, officials have hinted at this upcoming possibility if New Delhi continues to expand its purchases.
For now, India appears intent on maintaining its independent stance, emphasizing that it will act in alignment with its national interests rather than external pressure. As discussions with the US continue, the issue of Russian oil imports remains a major test for India’s foreign policy—one that could shape the trajectory of US-India relations in the months ahead.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
