Kremlin backs India’s decision to buy Russian crude, citing New Delhi’s right to protect economic interests amid rising US tariffs on oil imports.

Moscow: India, a sovereign nation, retains the right to purchase crude from sources it deems advantageous, the Kremlin stated on Monday, while expressing confidence that New Delhi will adhere to its policy of safeguarding its economic interests.

On August 6, the United States imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on India for its acquisition of crude and petroleum products from Russia. At the conclusion of August, the United States elevated tariffs on imports of Indian products and services to 50 percent.

India, as a sovereign nation, conducts foreign trade activities and acquires energy resources where it is advantageous for its interests, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in a statement to reporters following the summit discussions between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi last Friday.

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Following his discussions with Prime Minister Modi, the Russian leader affirmed that Moscow will continue to be a dependable energy supplier for India.

And, based on our understanding, our Indian partners will persist in this approach to safeguard their economic interests, Peskov stated when asked whether New Delhi will maintain its petroleum purchases from Moscow.

India emerged as one of the leading purchasers of Russian oil following the onset of the Ukrainian conflict in 2022.

Reports indicate that India is reducing its proportion of Russian crude oil in its imports due to external pressures from Western nations.

Moscow has extensive experience in circumventing sanctions, and if India is amenable, we will identify avenues to supply petroleum,” stated Kremlin economic adviser Maxim Oreshkin during an interview with the national broadcaster Channel 1.