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The Russian Foreign Minister asserted that India and Russia will set their own trade terms, rejecting US pressure.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (AFP file photo)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that trade conditions between New Delhi and Moscow will be determined solely by the two nations, brushing aside mounting US pressure on India over its energy ties with Russia.
“This stance reflects national interest, and the national pride and honor of our Indian friends,” Sergey Lavrov told Sputnik India in response to a question about Washington’s efforts to dissuade New Delhi from purchasing Russian crude.
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His remarks come amid escalating tensions after US President Donald Trump faulted India for buying discounted Russian oil during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. In retaliation, the Donald Trump administration imposed a 25 percent reciprocal duty on Indian goods and an additional 25 percent levy directly linked to India’s Russian oil imports. The combined 50 percent tariff ranks among the steepest anywhere in the world.
Donald Trump has repeatedly accused India of “fueling Russia’s deadly attacks on Ukraine,” even as his administration has stopped short of imposing tougher sanctions on Moscow itself.
India and Russia share a deep-rooted economic relationship that has only expanded in recent years. Russia has become one of India’s top suppliers of crude oil since the start of the Ukraine war, offering discounted shipments that have been crucial for New Delhi in managing inflation and ensuring energy security. Beyond energy, bilateral trade spans defense, nuclear energy, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech sectors, with overall trade volumes crossing $65 billion in 2023–24.
Earlier, Sergey Lavrov highlighted the strength of bilateral engagement as he said, “In December, a visit from Mr. Putin is being planned to New Delhi. We have a very extensive bilateral agenda—trade, military, technical cooperation, finance, humanitarian matters, healthcare, high-tech, artificial intelligence, and of course close coordination at the international level within the SCO, BRICS, and bilaterally,.”
On energy cooperation specifically, Sergey Lavrov underlined Russia’s respect for India’s autonomy as he said on the sidelines of UNGA, “I’m not even asking what is going to happen to our trade relations, our oil. I don’t ask our Indian colleagues this. They are perfectly capable of making these decisions for themselves.”
September 30, 2025, 17:32 IST
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