India pushes back against US concerns
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Thursday firmly defended India’s energy cooperation with Russia, rejecting US criticism that New Delhi’s crude purchases are funding Moscow’s war economy. Speaking in Moscow, Jaishankar said India’s imports were driven by national interest and global energy stability, not by geopolitics.
“We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. We are not the largest LNG buyer, that is the European Union,” Jaishankar told reporters. “We are very perplexed at the logic of this argument. Incidentally, we also buy oil from the US, and that amount has increased.”
His remarks come as Washington has escalated pressure on India, hinting at possible sanctions over continued Russian crude imports. However, New Delhi insists that its decisions align with global energy market stability and the country’s growing domestic needs.
Bilateral talks with Moscow strengthen ties
During his Moscow visit, Jaishankar held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both leaders reaffirmed the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between the two countries.
“Today’s meeting gave us an occasion to discuss political relations and also our bilateral ties,” Jaishankar said. “We now prepare for the annual summit at the end of the year. Our leaders have always guided us to strengthen this partnership.”
Lavrov praised the resilience of India-Russia ties, stressing that cooperation in energy, trade, and defence continues to expand despite global tensions. The two sides also co-chaired a bilateral commission that oversees trade and economic relations.
Call for innovation in India-Russia partnership
In another high-level meeting, Jaishankar met Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. He stressed that both nations should adopt a “creative and innovative approach” to confront today’s geopolitical and economic challenges.
“Doing more and doing differently should be our mantras,” Jaishankar noted, urging expanded industrial collaboration, diversification of trade, and stronger joint ventures. He added that evolving global disruptions require forward-thinking cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow.
The External Affairs Minister underlined that India and Russia share long-standing trust, and the focus now must be on modernising the partnership to adapt to new realities.
US-India trade friction adds to tensions
Jaishankar’s Moscow visit comes against the backdrop of strained India-US trade relations. Washington has objected sharply to India’s defence and energy ties with Russia. Recently, President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports, raising duties up to 50 percent, and introduced an additional 25 percent levy in response to India’s oil trade with Moscow.
Despite these tensions, New Delhi has made it clear that it will continue pursuing an independent foreign policy. Officials argue that India’s energy security cannot be compromised, particularly when global oil prices remain volatile.
Strategic significance of the visit
Jaishankar’s three-day Moscow visit reflects India’s intent to balance ties with both Russia and the United States. Analysts note that India’s ability to sustain this balance will be crucial as geopolitical realignments reshape global alliances.
With preparations underway for the India-Russia annual summit later this year, both sides are expected to push for deeper cooperation in energy, defence, and technology. The visit underlines New Delhi’s strategy of maintaining strong partnerships while safeguarding national interest in a shifting global order.