Russia Pins Hopes on India to Keep Oil Trade Flowing Despite US Pressure

New Delhi, August 20 – Russia has expressed confidence that India will not scale down crude oil imports despite rising American pressure, stressing that the two countries have developed a “special mechanism” to sustain trade.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires Roman Babushkin made it clear that Moscow values its energy partnership with New Delhi. “We don’t hope that India will stop buying oil. We have a true strategic partnership and are committed to removing any challenge,” he said.

Russia’s Deputy Trade Representative Evgeniy Griva, who was also present, reaffirmed that crude oil supplies to India will continue unhindered. “Despite the political situation, exports of crude oil to India would be the same,” he said, highlighting that Russian crude accounts for nearly 40 percent of India’s total requirements. “There is no alternative to Russian crude oil,” he added.

Babushkin strongly criticised Washington’s actions, describing the threat of sanctions as a form of “unlawful competition.” He argued that the US was weaponising the global economy. He also cautioned that disrupting the oil trade between India and Russia could trigger a sharp spike in global crude oil prices.

Reiterating the resilience of bilateral ties, Babushkin said, “It is not the first time India-Russia relations have been threatened by external factors. Each time we have worked out solutions, and we are confident of doing so again.”

The diplomat underlined that the recent conversation between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s importance in Russia’s global outreach. He added that the two sides have a broad agenda covering energy, nuclear power, investment, and trade.

On the trade front, Russia aims to push bilateral commerce to $100 billion by 2030 by addressing existing barriers and strengthening financial systems. “We are developing our own payment and transaction mechanisms,” Babushkin said. Griva further clarified that payments under the Rupee-Rouble system have proved resilient and safeguarded transactions against external pressure.

As Moscow faces mounting Western restrictions, it is looking at India not just as a major oil buyer but also as a trusted partner to secure long-term energy security and trade stability.