The Indian government on Thursday responded cautiously to former President Trump’s claim that the country would cease purchasing Russian oil. While not explicitly denying his comments, which he stated were intended to curb Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, India’s foreign ministry emphasized its long-standing strategy of diversifying oil suppliers.
This understated reaction highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s careful approach to mending a strained relationship with the Trump administration. His goal is to see the removal of significant U.S. tariffs that have impacted Indian goods, aiming to restore the stability of a bond nurtured over two decades.
Last Wednesday, Trump had publicly declared that Modi had “assured me today that he will not be buying Russian oil.” This statement followed the Trump administration’s August imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, layered upon an existing 25 percent tariff, specifically citing India’s Russian oil purchases as a contributing factor to the conflict in Ukraine.
During a press conference on Thursday, Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesman for the Indian foreign ministry, stated he had no knowledge of any recent call between the two leaders. However, unlike previous instances where India firmly refuted similar claims about Russian oil, Jaiswal’s response was notably more circumspect. He issued a statement that, while essentially a denial, avoided directly challenging the former President.
The ministry’s statement underscored that India’s oil import decisions are driven by a “consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario.” It further noted that the country has been “diversifying as appropriate,” including an increase in oil purchases from the United States.
The relationship between the two leaders, once characterized by public displays of camaraderie, has faced significant challenges during the second Trump administration. Tensions escalated after India refuted Trump’s claim that he had mediated a cease-fire between India and Pakistan following a military confrontation earlier this spring.
For Modi, any acknowledgement of halting military operations under American pressure would be a significant political risk, potentially undermining his strongman image at home. Conversely, Trump, who has actively cultivated an image as a peacemaker, perceived India’s denial as ungrateful. This led him to focus on India’s Russian oil purchases, which New Delhi maintains were actually encouraged by American officials before Trump’s first term to stabilize market prices. The subsequent imposition of tariffs has severely hampered bilateral relations.
An image shows President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India together at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, in September, illustrating India’s complex international energy engagements.
Indian officials have consistently argued that these tariffs are unfair, especially given that other major importers of Russian oil, such as China, have not faced similar punitive measures.
Harsh V. Pant, a visiting professor of international relations at King’s College London, commented, “If Trump wants India to behave a certain way, going public about it is the worst thing he could do. It makes it difficult for a policymaker in a country like India to be seen to be toeing a particular line under American pressure.”
In recent weeks, both nations have engaged in quiet diplomatic efforts to realign their relationship. Trade delegations have resumed negotiations, and Modi was among the first global leaders to congratulate Trump on his role in brokering the hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. Modi called Trump on October 9th, not only to offer congratulations but also to review “the good progress achieved in trade negotiations.”
Sergio Gor, a close Trump confidante recently confirmed as the U.S. ambassador to India, undertook an unusual four-day trip to India before officially assuming his post. During this visit, he met with Modi and other senior officials, a departure from conventional diplomatic protocol.
India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, addressed a gathering in New Delhi this month, stating that both sides are actively working to resolve outstanding trade issues to prevent them from affecting “every dimension of the relationship.”
“There are problems, there are issues, nobody is in denial of it,” Mr. Jaishankar acknowledged. “Those issues need to be negotiated and discussed and resolved, which is exactly what we are trying to do.”
Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Modi’s economic advisory council, noted that India has consistently prioritized its own interests, opting not to react to “snide remarks and sometimes what could be deemed as racist remarks against India” made by Trump’s advisors.
“We have in general been quite restrained,” Sanyal told an economic forum recently.
Indrani Bagchi, a foreign-policy analyst and chief executive of the Ananta Aspen Center in New Delhi, suggested that Trump’s remarks might be a tactic to exert leverage. “If it’s pressure tactics, I don’t think India is going to fold,” she stated.