India-Russia Relations Remain Steady and Independent of External Influence: MEA

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday praised the enduring nature of India’s relationship with Russia, calling it a “steady and time-tested partnership.”

Speaking at a routine press briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal emphasized that India’s foreign relations are based on independent merits and should not be evaluated through the lens of other countries.

Responding to a question about whether there is any shift in India’s approach to its ties with Russia, Jaiswal clarified, “Our relationships with all countries are assessed on their individual value and should not be interpreted through the perspective of a third nation. When it comes to India-Russia relations, we share a stable and long-standing partnership.”

His statement followed comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who on Thursday described India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil as a continuing “point of irritation” in U.S.-India relations—despite strategic cooperation between the two nations. India has maintained its oil imports from Russia even after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.

Rubio’s remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff along with additional penalties on Indian goods, citing concerns over India’s commercial ties with Russia and existing trade restrictions.

Commenting further, Jaiswal stated, “India faces significant energy demands, including the need to import oil, coal, gas, and other resources to fuel its economy—just as any other country would. India buys oil from Russia because, due to sanctions, Russian oil is being sold below global market prices. This dynamic does, regrettably, support Russia’s war effort, and it remains a source of friction in our relationship with the United States.”