Russia’s Foreign Ministry clarified on Wednesday that there has been no change in India’s stance on buying Russian oil. The ministry said the purchase of Russian hydrocarbons by India is beneficial for both countries and maintains stability in the global energy market.
“We have no reason to believe that India has changed its policy on purchases of Russian hydrocarbons,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at her weekly briefing. This step is beneficial for both countries and keeps the international energy market stable.
Rejected the claims of American officials
Zakharova also rejected claims raised by US President Donald Trump and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio. He said America is trying to stop independent countries from taking decisions as per their own. This includes tariffs, sanctions, and other pressures. Last week, Rubio had claimed that India had pledged to stop buying Russian oil. Whereas India has not yet confirmed or denied this claim. Even before this, Russia had accused America of pressurizing India and other countries to stop buying Russian oil.
Recently, after the phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Trump, both the countries announced to reduce the US tariff on India from 50 percent to 18 percent. In this, 25 percent duty imposed on India’s purchase of Russian oil in August 2025 was also removed.
European countries also criticized
Zakharova also criticized European countries, whom she said did not want a peace solution. Energy cooperation between Russia and India has long been strong and both countries consider it important for global energy security and economic stability.