Kremlin rejects US pressure on India over Russian oil imports

The Kremlin has expressed concern over recent statements from Washington urging India to curtail its imports of Russian oil, describing such actions as illegitimate attempts to interfere in the sovereign trade decisions of independent states.

Speaking to journalists on August 5, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow views attempts to pressure countries into severing trade ties with Russia as legally unfounded, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“We are hearing several statements that can be interpreted as threats—attempts to compel countries to halt trade relations with the Russian Federation,” Peskov said. “We do not consider such rhetoric to be lawful or appropriate.”

His comments came in response to remarks by Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who reaffirmed that India would take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests and economic security in light of mounting US pressure.

Peskov stressed that decisions regarding trade and economic cooperation should be made independently by sovereign nations. “We believe, and continue to believe, that sovereign countries have the right to determine their partners in trade and economic cooperation, and to pursue frameworks that reflect their national interests,” he stated.

The diplomatic row follows recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who signalled a sharp increase in tariffs on Indian exports.

On August 4, Trump accused India’s purchases of Russian oil of contributing to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and warned of additional trade penalties if such imports continue.

Last week, the US president announced a 25% tariff on a range of Indian goods, and hinted at further measures targeting India’s continued energy and defence cooperation with Russia.

Despite these developments, New Delhi has reiterated its commitment to strategic autonomy and has maintained that decisions regarding energy procurement will be guided by national priorities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev