A diplomatic storm is brewing, and it's all about oil and politics. India denies Trump's assertion that Modi agreed to halt Russian oil imports, creating a fascinating yet complex situation.
Donald Trump boldly claimed that Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, promised to cease buying oil from Russia. But here's where it gets controversial: Trump's statement came on Wednesday, and he specifically mentioned it happened 'today'. However, Indian officials quickly refuted this, stating there was no phone call between Modi and Trump on the previous day.
India's relationship with Russia, a significant arms supplier, has been a source of tension with the US, especially since the Ukraine invasion. Trump's failure to broker peace with Russia led to a contentious period. In August, the US imposed hefty tariffs on India, an additional 25% on top of the base rate, to penalize its oil purchases from Russia.
India, refusing to bow to US pressure, asserted its right to determine its energy needs and maintain historical ties with Russia. The country has significantly profited from discounted Russian oil, becoming one of its largest global buyers, second only to China.
The US-India relationship has taken a hit, with the White House accusing Delhi of funding Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine. Interestingly, Trump praised Modi, calling him 'a great man' who 'loves Trump'.
This situation raises questions: Is this a case of miscommunication or a strategic move by India? How will the
