Moscow–New Delhi Energy Ties Deepen Despite U.S. Pressure
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the Kremlin on Thursday, reinforcing the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. The high-level engagement followed Dr. Jaishankar’s earlier discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.
At a joint press briefing, Lavrov highlighted India’s rising crude oil imports from Russia and underlined new opportunities for energy cooperation.
“We have achieved strong results in hydrocarbon collaboration, including oil supplies to the Indian market. Both sides are also interested in joint projects for energy exploration, particularly in Russia’s Far East and the Arctic shelf,” Lavrov said.
India has consistently defended its Russian oil imports, calling them an economic necessity to stabilize domestic prices. Officials in New Delhi have dismissed Western criticism, pointing out what they see as double standards, as many Western nations continue commercial dealings with Moscow.
Washington’s Tariffs Add Pressure
The expanding India–Russia energy trade has not come without challenges. The United States recently imposed steep tariffs—reportedly up to 50% on Indian goods—in one of its most aggressive trade moves in recent years.
Despite the economic strain, both Moscow and New Delhi remain committed to boosting cooperation. Officials emphasized the importance of correcting trade imbalances by increasing Indian exports in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles.
“One of the Steadiest Global Partnerships”
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Jaishankar described the India–Russia relationship as one of the most resilient and time-tested in the world.
“Our relations have been among the steadiest since World War Two,” he said, referencing historical ties rooted in the Soviet era.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs later confirmed that both sides had reaffirmed their intention to expand bilateral trade, with a focus on strengthening India’s export presence in the Russian market.