Russia Defends Oil Trade with India Following Trump's Claims of Imminent End to Purchases

New Delhi:

Russia has addressed Donald Trump's assertion that India will discontinue purchasing discounted crude oil from Moscow - purchases Trump has vocally criticized as 'supporting' Russia's Ukraine war - by emphasizing the existence of 'trustworthy and comprehensive dialogue over oil and gas'.

"Russian oil is important for the Indian economy," Moscow stated briefly following Trump's comments and India's measured response that "it has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario".

Moscow continued, "We proceed from the understanding of Indian government policy... it reflects the national interest of the Indian people and national economy, and those goals will not contradict Russia-India relations. We will continue discussing cooperation with India regarding oil and gas."

The statement clarified that Russia would not interfere in India-US relations but subtly reminded Delhi of their longstanding bilateral ties, noting, "We respect bilateral relations... India has a bilateral relation with Russia."

The conflict between the US and Russia over India's crude oil purchases has intensified since the Ukraine war began in February 2022.

Western nations, particularly the United States, have pressured India to cease buying Russian oil, which is offered at a discount as President Vladimir Putin attempts to bypass sanctions and generate funds for the Ukraine war.

Trump, who previously claimed he could end the war 'with one phone call', has been outspoken on this issue. These purchases prompted a 25 percent 'penalty' tariff on Indian exports to the US.

India has consistently maintained that it will not yield to pressure that might affect national security. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have both affirmed that Russian oil purchases will continue as long as economically beneficial.

Jaishankar has also highlighted Western double standards in continuing to purchase Russian gas.

This week, Trump declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop buying from Russia. "He's assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia. He can't do it immediately. It's a bit of a process but it is going to be over soon," the US President stated.

India responded by emphasizing its focus on ensuring stable energy prices for its citizens and securing supplies for present and future needs. "This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions," the External Affairs Ministry explained.

Notably, the statement also indicated expanded energy purchases from the US.

"The current administration (referring to Trump's second term) has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing," India stated.

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