Russia strongly defended India on Wednesday against the fresh tariff threats imposed by US President Donald Trump over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian crude oil. Calling the move “unjustified and unilateral”, Moscow underlined that India remains a vital strategic partner.
Speaking at a press conference, Russian Deputy Ambassador to India Roman Babushkin criticized Washington’s economic pressure tactics, stating that the US has “weaponised the economy.” He stressed that “friends do not impose sanctions, and Russia will never impose sanctions on India.”
The diplomat also dismissed speculation that New Delhi may halt its Russian oil imports, asserting, “We don’t expect that to happen.”
Highlighting the depth of India-Russia relations, Babushkin pointed to multiple direct conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine crisis, noting that the two nations have “always found ways to cooperate in difficult times.”
He further said that Russia has developed a special mechanism to ensure uninterrupted crude oil supplies to India despite Western sanctions.
Babushkin also welcomed the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, expressing hope for a trilateral India-Russia-China dialogue in the near future.
The statement marks yet another strong pushback from Moscow as Trump’s new tariff measures continue to strain global trade ties.
