Russia Rejects US Claim on India’s Oil Imports, Says New Delhi Has Given No Signal of Stopping Purchases

Moscow: Russia has firmly dismissed the United States’ claim that India has agreed to stop buying Russian crude oil. The Russian government said it has no reason to believe that New Delhi has changed its position on energy imports and continues to see India as a key and stable partner in the global oil market.

The statement came in response to remarks made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who recently claimed that India had promised to halt crude oil purchases from Moscow. However, Russia has categorically rejected this assertion, stating that India has shown no indication of ending its energy trade with Russia.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both nations and also helps maintain stability in the international energy market.

“Russia has no reason to believe that India has changed its stance on energy imports. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the global energy market,” Zakharova said.

Russia Calls US Statements Baseless

Zakharova further criticised the US leadership, stating that the claims made by US President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio were not new and reflected Washington’s habit of trying to dictate terms to independent nations.

“We do not see any change in India’s position. The claims made by Trump and Rubio are not new. They have consistently displayed a tendency to issue orders to sovereign nations,” she added.

US Linking Tariff Relief to India’s Oil Stand

Following recent trade developments between India and the United States, the Trump administration has repeatedly suggested that India’s decision to reduce Russian oil imports was a key reason behind Washington’s move to lower tariffs on Indian goods.

However, Russia has made it clear that such statements hold little credibility, as there is no official confirmation from India regarding any such commitment.

India Yet to Clarify Its Stand

The Indian government has so far not issued any direct statement confirming whether it has promised the US to stop importing Russian crude. New Delhi has only maintained that energy purchases will be decided based on national interest and best available deals.

The latest Russian response highlights the growing geopolitical tug-of-war over global energy supplies, as major powers continue to influence trade partnerships amid international tensions.