'Unjustified, disrespects national interests': Russia on US pressure on India for buying Russian crude oil

“Mechanisms are in place to continue oil supplies to India,” Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin assured, adding that both countries are working to remove further barriers to trade in order to strengthen economic cooperation.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: August 20, 2025 01:41 PM IST

2 min read

PM Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File Photo)

Russia slammed the United States for imposing sanctions on India over its procurement of Russian crude oil and called it “unjustified” Wednesday. “We are confident that India-Russia energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding the external pressure,” Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said.

Accusing the US of double standards, Babushkin said, “Sanctions are hitting those who are imposing them, disrespecting national interests. Pressure on India not to buy Russian oil is unjustified.”

He emphasised that Russia values its strategic partnership with India, and is committed to supporting New Delhi during challenging circumstances. “If Indian goods cannot go to the US market, they can head to Russia, and India matters very much to Russia,” Babushkin said.

“India understands there is no chance to change supplies right now, and the profit is very high for India,” he said. Babushkin also noted that India and Russia have “always managed to find ways to work in our interests despite issues.”

“Mechanisms are in place to continue oil supplies to India,” he assured, adding that both countries are working to remove further barriers to trade in order to strengthen economic cooperation.

The Russian Embassy also underlined the strategic significance of India-Russia-China relations. “Engagements between Russia, China, and India, are important for regional security,” he said hoping for a trilateral will happen with India and China sooner rather than later.”

He also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet in New Delhi by the end of the year; however, the dates are yet to be finalised. The announcement comes at a time when geopolitical tensions continue to rise, with the United States imposing tariffs on Indian goods in a bid to increase pressure on Russia over its actions in Ukraine.

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India turned to purchasing Russian oil sold at a discount after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and shunned its supplies over its invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022.

Consequently, from a mere 1.7 per cent share in total oil imports in 2019-20, Russia’s share increased to 35.1 per cent in 2024-25, and it is now the biggest oil supplier to India.

–With PTI and Reuters inputs

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