India, Feb. 9 -- US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the long-awaited trade deal between India and the United States last week, with the former claiming that New Delhi would stop purchasing Russian oil as part of the pact. In fact, Trump also removed the 25 per cent tariff he imposed on India over its energy purchases from Russia.

However, the question remains. Has India stopped buying Russian oil? Or will it halt purchases? Neither New Delhi nor Washington has provided any clarity on the matter. Remarks from Russia over the same have also remained unclear.

On February 2, Donald Trump said he had spoken with PM Modi, adding that the two leaders agreed to a trade deal, under which the US will reduce India...