Politics · India Bureau
Russia hits back at Western pressure over India oil trade
Moscow's envoy has rejected international criticism of Russia's oil sales to India, dismissing efforts to restrict energy trade as coercive tactics. The remarks follow a recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
LSN India ·
Russia's ambassador has pushed back against what it characterises as external pressure tactics aimed at curtailing Moscow's oil exports to India, underscoring the strategic importance of energy ties between the two nations.
The diplomatic salvo comes in the wake of Putin and Modi's meeting last week at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, where energy cooperation featured prominently in discussions between the two leaders. The Russian envoy's comments reflect Moscow's determination to maintain robust trade relations with New Delhi despite international scrutiny.
India has emerged as a significant buyer of Russian crude oil since Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. New Delhi has maintained its pragmatic approach to sourcing affordable energy, viewing such purchases as economically prudent and aligned with its national interests.
The Russian position underscores the broader geopolitical realignment taking place in Asia, where major economies are increasingly charting independent courses on energy procurement and international relations, resisting what Moscow perceives as attempts to dictate their foreign policy choices through external pressure.