‘Most Important’: Kremlin On India-Russia Relations Amid Trump’s Claims On Russian Oil Buys

Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 13:18 IST

Donald Trump on Monday announced a trade agreement with India under which US tariffs on Indian goods would be reduced to 18% from 50%

PM Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin (Credits: PTI)

The Kremlin on Tuesday said it had received no communication from India about halting purchases of Russian oil, pushing back against US President Donald Trump’s claim that New Delhi had agreed to stop such imports as part of a trade deal with Washington.

Trump on Monday announced a trade agreement with India under which US tariffs on Indian goods would be reduced to 18% from 50%, claiming the move was linked to India halting Russian oil purchases and easing trade barriers. Responding to the remarks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was closely analysing Trump’s statements on India-Russia relations.

Asked directly whether India had decided to stop buying Russian oil, Peskov said, “So far, we have not heard any statements from Delhi on this issue."

While noting that Russia respects bilateral relations between the US and India, he stressed Moscow’s priorities.

“We respect bilateral U.S.-Indian relations. But we attach no less importance to the development of an advanced strategic partnership between Russia and India. This is the most important thing for us," Peskov said, adding that Russia intends to further strengthen ties with New Delhi.

India emerged as the largest buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude after Moscow’s war in Ukraine began in 2022, a shift that drew criticism from Western countries which have imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy sector to curb its revenues and limit its ability to fund the conflict.

News world ‘Most Important’: Kremlin On India-Russia Relations Amid Trump’s Claims On Russian Oil Buys

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