'No reason to believe India halted Russian oil imports': Russia counters US claim

Russia says “no reason to believe” India agreed to stop oil purchases

Russia on Wednesday said it has “no reason” to believe India has decided to stop buying Russian crude, pushing back against assertions from Washington that New Delhi committed to ending the purchases.

Speaking at a weekly briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons remains mutually beneficial and contributes to global energy stability.

“We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons,” she said.

“There is nothing new in the claims of US President Donald Trump, as well as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have grabbed the right to dictate to independent nations.”

US claims after trade discussions

The remarks came after the United States said New Delhi had agreed to stop importing Russian oil. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that India had committed to halting purchases.

Earlier in February, US President Donald Trump also claimed, while announcing a trade understanding with India, that the country would no longer procure Russian crude.

The statements followed a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump. After the conversation, both sides announced a reduction in US tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%. The rollback included the removal of a 25% tariff imposed in August last year over India’s purchase of Russian oil.

India maintains strategic ambiguity

India has neither confirmed nor denied Washington’s assertion. New Delhi has repeatedly said its energy procurement decisions will be guided by “national interests”.

Moscow has previously accused the United States of attempting to restrict countries, including India, from purchasing Russian crude through tariffs, sanctions, and other pressure measures.

Zakharova also criticised European allies of Ukraine, saying they were not genuinely interested in pursuing a peace settlement.