Russia has pushed back against Donald Trump’s claim that India plans to stop buying discounted crude oil from Moscow. In a short but pointed statement, Moscow said its energy partnership with India is built on a “trustworthy and comprehensive dialogue” and remains central to India’s economic stability.
“Russian oil is important for the Indian economy,” the statement said, following Trump’s comments and India’s careful response that its “consistent priority” is to protect consumers amid global price volatility.
Moscow added that it understands India’s energy policy as one driven by national interest. “These goals do not contradict Russia–India relations. We will continue to discuss cooperation on oil and gas,” it said.
Russia also signaled it had no intention of interfering in India–US ties, but reminded Delhi of its long-standing partnership with Moscow. “We respect bilateral relations… India has a bilateral relation with Russia,” the statement noted.
The friction over India’s Russian oil imports has been simmering since the Ukraine war began in early 2022. Western nations, led by the United States, have repeatedly urged India to scale back purchases, arguing that discounted Russian oil helps Moscow finance its war.
Trump, who last year claimed he could end the war “with one phone call,” has been particularly vocal. His administration imposed a 25% penalty tariff on certain Indian exports to the US, citing trade imbalances and energy ties with Russia.
India, however, has made it clear it will not bend to external pressure at the expense of its energy security. Both External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have said Russian oil imports will continue as long as they remain economically viable. Jaishankar has also pointed out that many Western countries still import Russian gas.
Trump, this week, claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would soon stop buying Russian oil. “He’s assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia. It can’t happen immediately, but it’s going to be over soon,” the US President said.
India’s reply was restrained but firm: its energy policy is guided by the need for stability and long-term supply security. “This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions,” the External Affairs Ministry said.
The statement also hinted at a growing partnership with Washington, noting that the Trump administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation. “Discussions are ongoing,” India confirmed.
