The Indian government subtly challenged President Trump’s recent assertions on Thursday, carefully avoiding a direct denial of his claim that India would cease purchasing Russian oil. This strategic move aims to de-escalate a heated trade dispute with Washington and prevent further public conflict.
A statement from India’s foreign ministry highlighted the nation’s consistent policy of diversifying its oil suppliers, without acknowledging any specific promise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Russian oil cessation.
This cautious stance underscores Mr. Modi’s efforts to delicately navigate relations with the Trump administration. His goal is to lift significant U.S. tariffs and restore stability to a bilateral relationship that has been meticulously cultivated for over twenty years.
On Wednesday, President Trump publicly stated that the Indian leader had “assured me today that he will not be buying Russian oil,” referencing his administration’s belief that these purchases support Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. This claim followed an August decision by the Trump administration to impose an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, escalating an existing trade penalty.
During a press conference on Thursday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman for the Indian foreign ministry, indicated he had no information regarding any recent phone conversation between the two national leaders.
However, in contrast to earlier incidents where a similar claim from Mr. Trump prompted a strong denial from the Indian government, Mr. Jaiswal adopted a far more cautious approach. His prior statement offered a subtle rebuttal, carefully avoiding direct confrontation with the President.
The ministry’s statement emphasized that India’s oil procurement strategy prioritizes “safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario.” It further highlighted the nation’s ongoing efforts to “diversify as appropriate,” which includes increasing oil imports from the United States.
The relationship between the two leaders, once characterized by a publicly celebrated close bond, has grown increasingly strained during the second Trump administration. Tensions escalated after India refuted Mr. Trump’s claim of having mediated a cease-fire between India and Pakistan following a military confrontation earlier this spring.
Acknowledging that Prime Minister Modi halted military operations due to American pressure would significantly undermine his “strongman” image domestically, posing a considerable political risk. However, President Trump, intent on cultivating his reputation as a peacemaker worthy of a Nobel Prize, viewed India’s denial as an act of ingratitude. Consequently, he focused on India’s ongoing procurement of Russian oil – purchases New Delhi claims were initially encouraged by American officials to stabilize market prices before his presidency. This led to the imposition of tariffs, effectively freezing diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Indian officials argue that these tariffs are unjust, pointing out that other significant importers of Russian oil, such as China, have not been subjected to comparable penalties.
“If Trump wishes for India to conform to certain behaviors, making these demands public is the most counterproductive approach,” said Harsh V. Pant, a visiting professor of international relations at King’s College London. “It severely complicates matters for Indian policymakers, making it appear as though they are simply yielding to American pressure.”
In recent weeks, both nations have opted for discreet diplomatic efforts to mend their relationship. Trade delegations have restarted negotiations, and Prime Minister Modi was notably one of the first world leaders to laud Mr. Trump’s role in facilitating the hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas. Modi personally called Trump on October 9th to offer congratulations and discuss “the good progress achieved in trade negotiations.”
Sergio Gor, a close associate of Trump and recently confirmed U.S. ambassador to India, undertook an unusual four-day visit to the country this month prior to officially assuming his post. During this trip, he met with Prime Minister Modi and other senior officials, a move typically not made before an ambassador has presented their formal credentials.
India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, stated at a New Delhi assembly this month that both countries are actively working to resolve their existing trade disagreements, aiming to prevent these issues from “percolating into every dimension of the relationship.”
“Undeniably, problems and issues exist,” Mr. Jaishankar affirmed. “These matters require negotiation, discussion, and resolution, which is precisely our current endeavor.”
Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Mr. Modi’s economic advisory council, noted that India has opted to firmly uphold its national interests, refraining from reacting to “snide remarks and sometimes what could be deemed as racist remarks against India” made by President Trump’s advisors.
“Overall, our response has been quite measured,” he shared at a recent economic forum.
Indrani Bagchi, a foreign-policy analyst and CEO of the New Delhi-based Ananta Aspen Center think-tank, suggested that Mr. Trump’s comments might be a tactic to gain leverage.
“If these are simply pressure tactics, I highly doubt India will yield,” she stated.