Russia Confirms India-Russia Economic Ties Remain Strong Despite US Sanctions on Oil Trade

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (File)

New York:

During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the economic relationship between India and Russia remains secure despite US tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil.

When questioned by ANI regarding secondary sanctions placed on India by the US for importing Russian oil, Lavrov stated, "The economic partnership between India and Russia is not under threat. India's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have clearly indicated that India selects its own partners. If the US wishes to enhance bilateral trade with India, they are open to discussing whatever terms the US proposes. However, regarding trade, investment, economic, military, technological, and other relationships between India and third countries, India will only discuss these matters with the countries directly involved."

Speaking about India's purchase of Russian oil and bilateral relations, Lavrov expressed, "We fully respect India's national interests and the foreign policy that Narendra Modi is implementing to advance these national interests. We maintain regular high-level contacts."

Lavrov highlighted the strategic relationship between India and Russia, stating they hold "utmost respect" for the Indian government's foreign policy of pursuing "national interests" under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

"Issues that might arise between India and the United States or India and any other nation cannot be considered criteria for relations between India and the Russian Federation. We have maintained a strategic partnership for a long time. At one point, our Indian friends suggested enhancing the terminology, and we now refer to it as a privileged strategic partnership. Later, our Indian friends proposed another clarification, and now we call it a particularly privileged strategic partnership. We have the utmost respect for India's national interests and the foreign policy Narendra Modi is implementing to promote these interests. We maintain regular high-level contacts."

Lavrov also referenced the recent meeting between PM Modi and President Putin at the SCO summit in China. He noted the "close coordination" between the two nations at the international level.

"Recently, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin met in Tianjin at the SCO summit in China. And in December, President Putin's visit to New Delhi is being planned. We have an extensive bilateral agenda covering trade, military-technical cooperation, finance, humanitarian matters, healthcare, high-tech, artificial intelligence, and of course, close coordination at the international level within the SCO, BRICS, and bilaterally."