Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments, Moscow has spoken out amid the ongoing controversy over India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. Trump had claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India would no longer buy crude oil from Russia. In response, Russia made it clear that Russian oil is vital to India’s economy, and hinted that the United States should not interfere in India–Russia relations.
Since the start of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, Western countries—especially the United States—have been pressuring India to halt oil imports from Moscow. To bypass Western sanctions and raise funds for its war effort, Russia has been selling oil to India at discounted prices. Trump described this move as “direct support for Moscow’s war” and imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports.
After Trump’s statement, India clarified its position, stating that the main objective of its energy policy is to protect Indian consumers’ interests and ensure energy supply stability amid global volatility. The Ministry of External Affairs said,
“Our energy policy has two goals — maintaining price stability and ensuring supply security. Expanding the base of energy sources is also part of this strategy.”
India also expressed its interest in deepening energy cooperation with the current U.S. administration.
Meanwhile, Russia issued a short statement saying,
“We understand India’s official policy — it reflects the interests of the Indian people and national economy. These goals are not contrary to Russia–India relations.”
Moscow further stated that while it would not interfere in India–U.S. relations, it emphasized the long-standing partnership between India and Russia, especially in the oil and gas sector, and called for continued trust-based, comprehensive dialogue.
Indian officials, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have repeatedly stated that India will continue purchasing Russian oil as long as it remains economically beneficial. Jaishankar has also noted that Western countries themselves have not completely stopped buying Russian gas, questioning the fairness of their pressure on India.
In short, the “tug-of-war” over Russian oil among India, Russia, and the United States has been ongoing since the beginning of the Ukraine war.
Source: NDTV.