Russia on Wednesday said it has “no reason” to believe that India has altered its stance on importing Russian crude, asserting that energy trade between the two countries benefits both sides and supports global market stability, PTI reported.
The remarks from Moscow come amid claims by Washington that New Delhi has agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil.
“We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a weekly briefing.
Zakharova also dismissed recent statements by US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying there was “nothing new” in their claims and criticising what she described as attempts to dictate terms to independent nations.
The comments follow a recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, after which both sides announced a reduction in US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. The move included the withdrawal of a 25 per cent tariff imposed last August over India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Last week, Rubio said India had committed to stop buying Russian crude, days after New Delhi reiterated that national interest would guide its energy procurement decisions. Trump had also claimed earlier this month that India had agreed to discontinue Russian oil imports as part of a trade understanding.
India has neither confirmed nor denied Washington’s assertion.
Russia has previously accused the US of using coercive measures, including sanctions and tariffs, to discourage India and other countries from purchasing Russian oil. Zakharova, in her remarks, also criticised European allies of Ukraine, alleging they were not interested in a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
