New Delhi: Russia reaffirmed its strong ties with India on Wednesday, declaring that “India matters very much” for Moscow, even as US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Roman Babushkin, Chargé d’Affaires at the Russian Embassy in India, criticized Washington’s move, calling the “US pressure” unjustified and unilateral. He dismissed concerns that India would halt Russian oil imports, saying: “We don’t expect that to happen.”
Russia Slams US ‘Weaponised Economy’
Babushkin accused the United States of weaponizing the global economy, stressing that “friends do not impose sanctions.” He assured that Russia would never impose such restrictions on India. According to him, US sanctions are eroding global confidence in the dollar.
He further noted that if Indian goods face obstacles in the US market due to higher tariffs, “the Russian market is always open for Indian exports.”
India–Russia Cooperation in Focus
Despite global tensions, Babushkin highlighted that India and Russia have always found ways to cooperate in challenging times. Russia has even developed a “special mechanism” to ensure uninterrupted crude oil supplies to India, he added.
On President Trump’s move to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, Babushkin positioned Russia as a reliable trade partner ready to deepen economic ties with New Delhi.
Support for India-China Dialogue
The Russian envoy also welcomed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to India, calling it “very successful.” He expressed hope for a trilateral meeting between India, Russia, and China in the near future.
Modi-Putin Engagements
Pointing to the warmth of bilateral ties, Babushkin underlined two recent phone calls between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- On August 8, the leaders discussed the Ukraine conflict and reviewed ongoing bilateral projects.
- On August 18, PM Modi thanked Putin for sharing insights from his meeting with US President Trump in Alaska.
PM Modi reiterated India’s call for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing India’s readiness to continue diplomatic engagement.
Putin to Visit India in 2025
The Russian diplomat confirmed that President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India later this year to meet Prime Minister Modi, a development expected to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
