Russia on Wednesday reiterated the importance of India for Moscow, calling New Delhi a valued partner even as US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil.
Speaking at a press conference, Russian deputy ambassador to India Roman Babushkin strongly criticised Washington’s actions. He described the tariffs and pressure on New Delhi as unjustified.
“India matters very much,” Babushkin said, underlining Moscow’s commitment to its relationship with India.
On questions about whether India might stop buying Russian oil under US pressure, he responded: “We don’t expect that to happen.”
The Russian diplomat added that the United States had “weaponised economy” and stressed: “Friends do not impose sanctions, Russia will never impose sanctions.”
Moscow Praises Modi-Putin Engagement
Highlighting the depth of ties, Babushkin pointed to the two phone calls held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the situation in Ukraine.
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The remarks underline Moscow’s emphasis on strengthening bilateral relations with India even in the face of external economic and political pressure.
Earlier, India and Russia solidified their commitment to enhancing bilateral defense cooperation during a high-level meeting in Moscow. The discussions, held between Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin, underscored the deep strategic partnership between the two nations.
This reaffirmation comes despite recent US threats of sanctions over India’s energy trade with Russia, highlighting the resilience of India-Russia relations.
The meeting, described by the Russian Ministry of Defense as occurring in a “warm and friendly atmosphere, customary for Russian Indian ties,” focused on advancing defense cooperation. “During the conversation, the two sides discussed in detail the pertinent issues of bilateral interaction in the sphere of defense and confirmed their intent toward the further strengthening of relevant cooperation in the spirit of particularly privileged strategic partnership,” the ministry’s statement read.
