Russia has sent a clear message of support to India, asserting that Western criticism is often a sign of doing the right thing, and reaffirming that India is unlikely to halt its purchases of Russian oil despite US tariffs. Roman Babushkin, Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in India, said at a press briefing that India’s strategic partnership with Moscow remains strong even amid pressures from the West.
“Even under challenging circumstances, we do not expect India to stop buying Russian oil,” Babushkin said, referring to recent US measures that include a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods and an additional 25 percent levy on purchases of Russian crude.
He added, “If the West criticises you, it means you are doing everything right.” Babushkin noted that the positive outcomes of President Putin’s recent visit to the US include reports that President Trump has decided not to impose additional tariffs on India.
The Russian envoy also offered India an alternative market for its exports, noting that should Indian goods face difficulties entering the US, “the Russian market is welcoming Indian exports”.
He criticised the West for what he described as “neocolonial behaviour”, saying unilateral sanctions and pressures risk disrupting supply chains, destabilising markets, and endangering energy security in developing nations.
He emphasised that Russia is the largest producer of oil and India the largest consumer, adding that unilateral actions can imbalance pricing policies and global markets.
Babushkin underscored that even a hypothetical refusal by India to buy Russian oil would not guarantee better cooperation with Western powers, which, he said, act primarily in self-interest.
“Hypothetically, if India refuses Russian oil, it will not lead to equal cooperation with the West because it is not in the Western nature,” he said, highlighting that Western pressure on India is “unjustified and unilateral”.
The comments come amid rising tensions in India-US trade relations, with New Delhi describing the tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable”.
Moscow, he said, has a “very, very special mechanism” in place to maintain consistent crude supplies to India, reflecting the depth of their bilateral relationship.
The envoy further highlighted that Russia and India have successfully expanded trade over recent years, with trade reportedly growing sevenfold despite sanctions, and that President Vladimir Putin values India highly, as evidenced by a recent phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi explaining developments in Ukraine.
Babushkin stressed that the relationship is a “true strategic partnership” and that Moscow is committed to resolving any challenges for mutual satisfaction. He confirmed that Putin is expected to visit India by the end of the year and also noted that India will receive the remaining S-400 missile system “according to the schedule”.
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