U.S. President Donald Trump’s bold claim that India will cease Russian oil purchases under a fresh trade pact has been shot down by the Kremlin. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called it old news, affirming India’s freedom to diversify its energy suppliers without interference.
Speaking to reporters, Peskov debunked the notion of exclusivity in Russia-India oil trade. ‘India sources crude from many nations; we’re just one among them,’ he said. No promises to end imports were made in recent agreements, he added, with Russia unaware of any such plans from official channels.
Trump’s statement tied the alleged oil halt to tariff cuts on Indian exports, slashing duties to 18%. Yet, Moscow sees no disruption on the horizon. Foreign Ministry’s Maria Zakharova stressed the irreplaceable value of Russian crude for Indian refineries, citing unique grades and blending needs that U.S. supplies can’t match overnight.
This comes against a backdrop of India’s surging imports from Russia since 2022 sanctions. By 2025, Russian oil comprised about a third of India’s crude basket, though volumes have softened lately due to market shifts. Still, bilateral energy collaboration promises stability in volatile global arenas.
Peskov framed India’s choices as independent, driven by commercial logic and security imperatives rather than foreign diktats. The strategic alliance endures, underscoring resilience in Indo-Russian relations amid U.S. trade overtures.
Observers note this spat reveals deeper tensions in energy geopolitics. As India balances ties with major powers, Russia’s reassurance bolsters confidence in sustained supplies, potentially influencing future import trends and pricing dynamics worldwide.
