Russian Foreign Minister Disputes Trump's Claim on Indian Oil Purchases
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted on Wednesday that only United States President Donald Trump has publicly declared that India will cease buying Russian oil, emphasizing that Moscow has received no such official confirmation from New Delhi. His comments directly challenge recent statements from the US administration regarding India's energy trade policies.
Lavrov's Direct Response to Lawmaker Query
Addressing a query from a lawmaker in the State Duma, Lavrov clarified the situation. "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," he stated firmly. The minister further elaborated, "Except for US President Donald Trump, nobody else has declared that India will stop buying Russian oil."
Context of Trump's Executive Order and Trade Understanding
Lavrov's remarks follow recent developments where Trump indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt purchases of Russian crude as part of a broader India-US trade agreement. The US president recently signed an executive order removing an additional 25 percent tariff imposed on Indian goods, a penalty linked to New Delhi's Russian oil imports. However, the order included a warning that tariffs could be reinstated if oil purchases continue, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Accusations of US Coercive Economic Measures
In a broader critique, Lavrov accused Washington of employing aggressive tactics to disrupt Russia's international trade relationships. "The US is attempting to control our trade, investment cooperation and military-technical ties with major strategic partners, such as India and other BRICS members," he said in an interview with TV BRICS. He specifically pointed to efforts to pressure countries into abandoning affordable Russian energy resources. "They are trying to ban India and our other partners from buying cheap, affordable Russian energy resources and forcing them to buy US LNG at exorbitant prices," Lavrov added, condemning what he described as coercive measures including sanctions and tariffs.
India's Firm Stance on Energy Security and Diversification
Indian officials have consistently prioritized energy security amid these international pressures. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that India will continue to diversify its crude oil sources to ensure stable and affordable supplies, guided strictly by national interest. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated this position, stating that safeguarding the energy needs of India's 1.4 billion citizens remains paramount. While Russian oil imports have moderated from peak levels, New Delhi has not officially announced any decision to completely halt purchases, maintaining a pragmatic approach to energy procurement.
Strengthening Russia-India Strategic Partnership
Lavrov also highlighted the robust bilateral relationship between Russia and India, referencing President Vladimir Putin's state visit to India in December 2025. "In particular, 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 noted. This partnership is expected to be further solidified as India, which assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, prepares to host a summit later this year where energy security will be a key agenda item.
The ongoing dialogue underscores the complex interplay of global energy politics, with India navigating its relationships with both Russia and the United States while steadfastly protecting its domestic energy requirements. Lavrov's statements reinforce Moscow's perspective that claims of India halting Russian oil imports are unsubstantiated by Indian authorities, pointing to a potential disconnect in international diplomatic communications.
