As India awoke on Thursday morning, US President Donald Trump's audacious claim over India's commercial relations with Russia had major news sites buzzing. Trump made a significant statement: "Modi assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia" although trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi were still improving.Trump's comments came after weeks of trade talks between the US and India, which were prompted by his high 50% tariffs on Indian imports that went into force in August. To begin with, the responsibilities weren't too great. Citing India's oil trade with Russia, which continues to be a focus of contention in trade negotiations between India and the US, Trump particularly increased them.Everyone, including those in India, was taken aback by Trump's most recent comment regarding India's energy connections with Russia and the source of the intelligence he referenced.

A list of the last 24 hours' who said what:

"Modi promised me that India would halt the trade in Russian oil."
Donald Trump asserted during a news conference at the White House on Wednesday (local time) that he had solid information that India will shortly sever its energy ties with Russia, at least until the conflict in Ukraine is resolved.