Russia has hit out strongly at the Donald trump administration for its mounting pressure on India to stop purchases of Russian crude oil. Calling US’s secondary tariffs ‘unjustifed’ and ‘unlawful’, Russia stressed that there would be no disruption in its oil supply to India.The Russian Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi, Roman Babushkin, conducted a press briefing on Wednesday regarding bilateral relations and US tariffs on India for its Russian oil purchases. The briefing also saw Evgeny Griva, Russia’s Deputy Trade Representative in India make strong statements about India-Russia trade and negotiations on crude oil discounts for India.During the briefing, Babushkin not only criticised the US President Donald Trump’s 25% additional tariffs on India, but also slammed America for not ‘behaving’ like a friend to India. He also spoke of Russian markets being open to Indian goods.Also Read | ‘They are just profiteering…’: Trump administration fires fresh salvo on India for Russia crude trade; ‘…made $16 billion in excess profits’We take a look at ten hard-hitting statements Russian officials made on US tariffs, oil trade with India & more:
Oil issues: ‘Unjustified pressure’ from neocolonial powers
Roman Babushkin slammed the US pressure on India to stop buying Russian crude, saying that it is not in the nature of the West to show equal cooperation. “Russia is the largest producer of oil and India is the largest consumer. Any kind of unilateral action leads to disruptions in supply chains, imbalance in pricing policies and destabilisation of global markets, endangering the energy security of developing countries,” he said. “Hypothetically, if India refuses Russian oil, it will not lead to equal cooperation with the West in general because it is not in the Western nature, which was clearly demonstrated in recent years. They behave like neocolonial powers that think of their own benefit. This pressure is unjustified and unilateral,” Babushkin added.
‘Indian goods welcome in Russia…’
In a clear statement on trade dynamics, Babushkin said that if India faced export restrictions to the US due to its 50% tariffs, the goods could flow to Russian markets.He said, “If Indian goods are facing difficulties entering the US market, the Russian market is welcoming Indian exports.”
‘Special mechanism’ to continue oil supplies to India
Babushkin said that Russia maintains a “special mechanism” to address any potential consequences if the US imposes sanctions on India regarding its Russian oil purchases.Addressing concerns over US tariff threats on India’s Russian oil imports, Evgeny Griva, Russia’s Deputy Trade Representative in India, emphasised the vital nature of Russian oil supplies to India.“Definitely, there are some imposition how to supply crude oil. And now we couldn’t discuss it because it’s really a very special mechanism. But only one thing is absolutely clear: that the percentage which Russia provides, approximately 40%, is very important; it’s a crucial share for the Indian economy and it means that the situation practically couldn’t be changed,” Griva explained.Also Read | Trump’s 50% tariffs loom: What steps is government looking at to cushion impact on key export sectors? Check details
Russia’s discounted crude for India
Griva verified ongoing talks on discounted crude oil for India, saying, “There will be around a 5% discount on Russian crude for India, subject to commercial discussions.”The Russian official assured that India’s crude purchases from Russia would continue unaffected by international political tensions. Whilst specific pricing information remains private, he indicated that standard discounts hover near 5%, varying based on market-based negotiations.
US tariffs on India for crude oil trade ‘unlawful’
Babushkin issued a strong rebuke regarding the US decision to impose ‘sanctions’ on India. He emphasised that such punitive measures demonstrate disregard for national sovereignty and absence of trust. He additionally said that if the US considered its relation with India as genuine friendship it would not ‘behave like that’.“As we all know, the sanctions are a tool of unlawful competition. It’s always about double standards. A lack of trust, blackmail and pressure, as well as disrespect of national interests. Friends don’t behave like that,” Babushkin said.
BRICS doesn’t impose sanctions
“You will never see sanctions imposed by Russia or within BRICS organisations where we together participate,” Babushkin said.“Non-United Nations sanctions and secondary sanctions are illegal. They weaponise the economy. Despite the tremendous sanction pressure on Russia, the Russian economy is growing steadily. It means that you cannot exclude from the global economy such a big and important country like Russia with its tremendous energy, industrial and human potential..”
Rupee-rouble trade to grow
Griva noted the strengthening financial collaboration between India and Russia, particularly in Rupee-Ruble transactions. He emphasised that the financial cooperation remains secure, despite external pressures on the Russian economy and attempts at intimidation.Evgeniy Griva remarked, “We see that after such pressure, we see an increase in cooperation, and especially in the financial sphere, for example, because payments in ruble-rupee became safer when you can expect that there would be some blackmailing. So just the trend is that more pressure, more cooperation.”Also Read | ‘If Indian goods cannot go to US, they can head to…’: Russia slams ‘unjustified’ Trump sanctions on oil; Putin to meet PM Modi in India this year
India-Russia trade
“We have really very stable growth in our trade… Now we have reached the level and we can predict that, and focus on the usual growth in trade will be approximately 10% annually. Besides that, we see the tendency that now Indian exports towards Russia are growing bigger and faster”, Griva stated.
‘If the West criticises you…’
Babushkin dismissed concerns regarding potential secondary tariffs suggested by the US trade adviser if India continues its Russian oil purchases.“If the West criticises you, it means you are doing everything right…We don’t expect that to happen (India to stop buying oil from India). We know about the challenging circumstances for India. This is the true strategic partnership we are enjoying. Whatever happens, even during challenges, we are committed to removing any problems,” he said.
‘India matters a lot to Russia’
“The recent phone call by President Putin to PM Modi ji, explaining and sharing the information about recent developments in Ukraine, means India matters a lot to Russia. We are capable of finding any solution for mutual satisfaction. The deepening of our partnership will help us grow together,” he added.Also Read | ‘Stop buying Russian crude oil’: Trump adviser says India should ‘start acting’ as strategic partner of US; ‘…it’s cozying up to Russia, China’
