Lavrov Counters Trump's Claim on India-Russia Oil Trade
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking in the State Duma on Wednesday, asserted that no one except for US President Donald Trump has declared India will cease buying Russian oil. Responding to a lawmaker's query, Lavrov clarified, "You mentioned that Donald Trump announced India's agreement to no longer purchase Russian oil. I have not heard such a statement from anyone else, including Prime Minister Modi and other Indian leaders," as reported by PTI.
Trump's Trade Deal Announcement and Tariff Rollback
Last week, while announcing a trade agreement with India, Trump claimed that New Delhi had agreed not to procure crude oil from Russia. Concurrently, the US President rolled back an additional 25% tariff imposed in August on India for its crude oil purchases from Russia. Lavrov's comments follow Russia's accusation two days prior that the US is using "coercive" measures, including tariffs and sanctions, to prevent India and other nations from buying Russian oil.
Energy Security and BRICS Summit Focus
Lavrov highlighted that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, setting the agenda for India's BRICS chairmanship, emphasized energy security as a top priority at the first sherpas meeting in New Delhi. This summit is expected to host Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov noted, "A substantial package of joint documents was signed during President Putin's state visit to India last December. This visit enriched Russian-Indian relations, creating a special, privileged strategic partnership." He added that a new meeting between the two leaders is anticipated on the sidelines of the BRICS summit under Indian leadership this year.
Russia's Commitment to India and BRICS Dynamics
Asserting Russia's dedication to bilateral ties, Lavrov stated, "Russia is ready to go as far in relations with India as New Delhi would desire, the sky is the limit." India formally assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2026, leading a 10-member bloc that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and five new members. Earlier, in an interview with TV BRICS, Lavrov accused the US of using "unfair methods" to suppress competitors by targeting Russian oil companies, alleging attempts to control trade and military-technical cooperation with India and other BRICS partners.
India's Stance on Oil Procurement
On Monday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri affirmed India's strategy to maintain multiple sources for crude oil purchases and diversify them to ensure supply chain stability, with national interests as the guiding factor. This underscores India's independent approach amid global pressures, reinforcing Lavrov's point that Indian leaders have not echoed Trump's claims.
