Lavrov Dismisses Trump's Assertion on India-Russia Oil Deal
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly refuted claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding India's alleged agreement to stop purchasing Russian oil. Speaking from Moscow, Lavrov stated he had "not heard this statement from anyone else, including Prime Minister Modi," directly challenging the veracity of Trump's declaration and suggesting that Moscow perceives no imminent threat to its energy partnership with New Delhi.
Geopolitical Tensions and Western Criticism
During his address, Lavrov extended his criticism beyond the India-Russia oil matter, launching a broadside against Western nations. He accused the West of undermining United Nations principles and condemned NATO's expansion from Europe into the Asia-Pacific region, framing it as a destabilizing move. Additionally, Lavrov described U.S. actions in Venezuela as "direct discrimination" against Russia, China, and Iran, highlighting ongoing geopolitical friction.
Strategic Dialogue Status and Global Flashpoints
Lavrov confirmed that strategic discussions with the Trump administration have "not yet started," though he emphasized Moscow's openness to future negotiations. On international conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Iran, North Korea, and the Taiwan Strait, Lavrov portrayed Washington's stance as an attempt to assert global dominance, reflecting deep-seated tensions between the two powers.
India-Russia Relations Remain Stable
Despite the escalating geopolitical discord, Lavrov stressed there is "no reason to believe" that high-level agreements between Russia and India are in jeopardy. This reassurance underscores the resilience of the bilateral relationship, even as external pressures mount. The statement serves to reaffirm Moscow's commitment to maintaining strong ties with New Delhi, particularly in the energy sector, which has been a cornerstone of their cooperation.
