Russia’s ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, has said that New Delhi’s oil imports from Moscow remain mutually beneficial and are guided by India’s own national interests, in a response to US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that India would stop buying Russian oil. “India and the US are independent in their decisions, and we do not interfere in those issues,” Alipov said. “Our oil supplies are very beneficial for the Indian economy and the welfare of the Indian people.”
The ambassador said Moscow and New Delhi maintain a “trustworthy dialogue” on a range of issues, including oil and gas cooperation. He emphasised that the Indian government’s policies are driven by domestic priorities and do not conflict with the two countries’ strategic relationship.
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“We have a very comprehensive interaction in our oil and gas cooperation, supplies of Russian oil to India. We have the figures, we have ongoing cooperation,” Alipov said. “Our relationship is not directed against anyone. It reflects the ties for the benefit of our countries.”
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He added that India’s prime minister and government have repeatedly stated that energy cooperation with Russia supports national economic interests.
Indian MP also reacts
Responding separately to Trump’s remarks, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla told ANI that India maintains strong relations with both Washington and Moscow. “Our relations with both the US and Russia are good,” he said. “I don’t know on what basis President Trump made the statement. Each bilateral relationship should be evaluated on its own merits.”
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Shringla declined to comment on the specifics of any discussion between India and the US, noting that he was no longer in government.
India has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since Western sanctions hit Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. Despite pressure from the West, New Delhi has consistently defended its purchases, saying they are essential to meet domestic energy needs and stabilise prices.
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