In Shorts
- Lavrov responds to U.S. claim that India will end Russian oil imports, saying only Trump made such assertions.
- He highlights that Indian leaders, including PM Modi, have not echoed this statement.
- Russia reiterates strong bilateral ties with India and rejects pressure from external powers.
Moscow has publicly rebuffed recent comments by United States President Donald Trump suggesting that India had agreed to halt imports of Russian crude oil. Speaking to lawmakers in the State Duma, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made it clear that, apart from Trump’s statement, no official from New Delhi has declared such a decision.
During the parliamentary session, Lavrov stressed he had not heard any confirmation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other Indian officials about discontinuing oil purchases from Russia. The remarks came in response to questions about reports linked to a U.S.–India trade understanding announced earlier this month.
Lavrov’s comments underscore Russia’s attempt to maintain clarity over its energy relationship with India, which has grown in recent years amid global realignments in the oil market. Russia remains one of India’s key crude suppliers, although New Delhi continues to emphasize diversification of its energy sources based on affordability and national interest.
The Kremlin official also used the moment to highlight what he described as coercive measures by the United States aimed at influencing global energy flows and trade ties with strategic partners. Lavrov alleged that sanctions, tariffs and other trade barriers were being employed to interfere with Russia’s economic relations, including with India — a charge the U.S. has dismissed.
India, meanwhile, has been consistent in stating that its energy procurement decisions are based on market conditions and supply security, not external pressure. Officials have reiterated that New Delhi will continue to source oil from multiple countries to safeguard its energy needs.
The exchange comes at a time when global energy politics are sharply in focus, with key players navigating sanctions, strategic partnerships and shifting supply chains. As India assumes the chairmanship of the BRICS bloc this year, diplomatic engagement with both Russia and other global powers is expected to continue.
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