Russia has formally stated that it has received no communication from India suggesting that New Delhi plans to stop buying Russian oil, directly contradicting claims made by United States President Donald Trump. On Monday, Trump announced that as part of a new India-US trade agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt purchases of Russian crude and shift energy imports towards the United States and other suppliers.
In return, the US would reduce tariffs on Indian exports from previous highs to around 18 per cent. However, Moscow swiftly rejected this assertion, with Kremlin officials insisting they were unaware of any such commitment.
Indian authorities have also refrained from confirming Trump’s statement, creating uncertainty around the energy component of the deal even as broader trade relations between Washington and New Delhi appear to be warming. The episode has raised fresh questions about India’s energy strategy, diplomatic autonomy and the growing geopolitical pressure surrounding global oil markets.
Conflicting Claims Cloud New Trade Pact
The controversy erupted after President Trump publicly hailed what he described as a landmark trade breakthrough with India. According to the US president, New Delhi had agreed to significantly increase purchases of American oil and gas while simultaneously cutting off imports from Russia.
Trump presented this move as part of a broader strategy to isolate Moscow economically and bring an end to the war in Ukraine. He also announced that the United States would lower tariffs on a range of Indian goods, portraying the arrangement as mutually beneficial.
Yet almost immediately, the narrative began to unravel. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia had not been informed of any decision by India to stop buying Russian oil and emphasised that energy cooperation between the two nations remained strong. Indian officials, meanwhile, have offered cautious responses, highlighting the tariff reductions but avoiding any direct endorsement of Trump’s remarks on oil.
The mixed signals have left analysts wondering whether the US president overstated the scope of the agreement or whether negotiations on energy imports are still ongoing behind closed doors.
Energy Security Meets Geopolitics
India’s position in this dispute is shaped by a complex web of economic and strategic considerations. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude, taking advantage of lower prices to shield domestic consumers from global volatility.
These purchases have helped stabilise fuel costs in India but have also drawn criticism from Western governments that want to curb Moscow’s energy revenues. The United States has repeatedly urged India to reduce its dependence on Russian oil, arguing that such trade undermines international sanctions.
New Delhi, however, has consistently defended its approach, maintaining that its energy policy is driven by national interest rather than political pressure. Any abrupt decision to stop buying Russian oil would involve major logistical and financial challenges, including renegotiating supply contracts and finding affordable alternatives.
Experts point out that India imports more than 80 per cent of its energy needs, making stability and price predictability critical priorities. Against this backdrop, Trump’s confident declaration appears to have collided with the practical realities of India’s energy requirements and its long-standing partnership with Russia.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This unfolding episode serves as a reminder of how delicate and interconnected global relationships have become in today’s world. Trade agreements, energy security and international diplomacy cannot be reduced to simple announcements or political soundbites.
At The Logical Indian, we believe that responsible governance must be rooted in transparency, dialogue and respect for national sovereignty. India, like any other country, has the right to make energy decisions based on affordability, reliability and the welfare of its people.
At the same time, global leaders have a responsibility to communicate clearly and honestly, rather than creating confusion through premature claims. The world today faces multiple crises from climate change to armed conflicts and cooperation between nations is essential to address them.
