Amid Donald Trump’s pressure on other countries to impose US-like tariffs on Indian goods for continuing to buy Russian oil, Moscow on Sunday said its relationship with Delhi is time-tested and progressing “steadily,” warning that any attempt to disturb the ties is “destined to fail.”
Ties between Moscow and Delhi are “steadily and confidently advancing,” and “any attempt to obstruct this process is destined to fail,” the Russian Foreign Ministry told state media outlet RT.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also praised India for standing firm in the face of constant pressure from the US and Nato countries to break ties with Russia, and for continuing its commitments despite threats.
The ministry’s statement, issued in response to questions from RT, highlighted India’s commitment to its partnership with Russia even in the face of external threats and criticism. “Frankly, anything else would be hard to imagine,” officials added, reported RT.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, India’s approach is rooted in “the spirit and traditions of long-standing Russia-India friendship” and represents “strategic autonomy in international affairs.”
Moscow underscored that the partnership prioritises “the highest value of sovereignty and the primacy of national interests.” This perspective, officials argued, supports relations that are “reliable, predictable and truly strategic in nature.”
The two countries engage in joint projects spanning civilian and military production, manned space missions, nuclear power, and Indian investments in Russian oil exploration.
The ministry also emphasised joint efforts in developing new payment systems, increasing the use of national currencies, and enhancing alternative transport and logistics routes.
“Last month, the US imposed steep duties on most Indian products, including a 25% base tariff and an additional 25% ‘penalty’ linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil and defence equipment. The Trump administration accused India of indirectly fuelling the Ukraine conflict — an allegation India has repeatedly rejected as ‘unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.’
The tariffs came amid stalled efforts to reach a bilateral trade deal. While recent reports suggest talks may resume, India has refused to offer concessions on agriculture and dairy, calling them “very big red lines.”
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