No Reason To Believe Change In India's Stance On Russian Oil Imports, Says Moscow

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 05:42 IST

The remarks came in view of Washington's claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated on Wednesday that it believes there is “no reason" to think India has altered its stance on purchasing Russian oil. According to Moscow, India’s purchase of Russian oil is said to be beneficial for both countries and maintains stability in the global hydrocarbons market.

The remarks came in view of Washington’s claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil.

“We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

“There is nothing new in the claims of US President Donald Trump, as well as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have grabbed the right to dictate to independent nations," she added.

The United Nations came following the telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, when both sides announced a reduction of the US-imposed tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent.

The reduction included the removal of a 25 per cent tariff that Trump had slapped on India in August last year for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

While announcing the trade deal with New Delhi early in February, Trump also claimed India had agreed not to procure crude oil from Russia. However, India has not yet confirmed or denied Washington’s claim.

Last week, Rubio also stated that India has committed to stop buying Russian oil. However, India had earlier mentioned that “national interests" will be the “guiding factor" behind India’s energy procurement.

Earlier too, Russia had accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of “coercive" measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.

(With agency inputs)

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