New Delhi: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has rejected a claim by United States President Donald Trump that India had agreed to stop buying crude oil from Russia. Speaking before Russian lawmakers, Lavrov said he had not heard such a statement from any Indian authority, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other senior leaders.
Lavrov stated that the suggestion of India abandoning Russian energy supplies did not match the reality of ongoing cooperation between the two countries. He emphasised that no official communication from New Delhi had indicated a change in its long standing policy of sourcing oil based on national requirements and market conditions.
The Russian minister also referred to recent attempts by Washington to pressure several countries to reduce trade with Moscow. He said various economic measures, including tariffs and restrictions, were being used to influence independent energy decisions of strategic partners. According to him, these steps were aimed at controlling international trade flows rather than supporting fair competition.
Lavrov highlighted that India continues to treat energy security as a priority area. He noted that during recent meetings connected with the BRICS grouping in New Delhi, Indian representatives underlined the need for stable and affordable fuel supplies to support economic growth. India assumed the chairmanship of the ten member bloc earlier this year.
The minister also spoke positively about the broader relationship between Moscow and New Delhi. He recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in December resulted in the signing of several important agreements and further strengthened what he described as a privileged strategic partnership. He added that the leaders of both nations are expected to meet again during the upcoming BRICS summit.
Earlier, President Trump had announced a new trade understanding with India and suggested that New Delhi would avoid purchasing Russian crude in the future. The American administration had previously imposed additional tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil but later withdrew the measure.
Indian authorities have reiterated that decisions on crude procurement will continue to be guided by national interest. Officials have said the country will diversify its sources while ensuring reliability, reasonable pricing and uninterrupted supply to meet the needs of its growing economy.
