Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin called the United States’ pressure on India “unjustified” and “unilateral”.
India is welcome to export its goods to Russia if it is facing hurdles entering the US market, said a senior Russian diplomat in New Delhi on Wednesday, as tensions between Washington and New Delhi continue to rise over the issue of Russian oil imports.
Addressing a press conference in the capital, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin called the United States’ pressure on India “unjustified” and “unilateral”. He said energy cooperation between India and Russia would continue despite growing external pressure, particularly from the US. He pointed out that Russia is currently the largest supplier of crude oil to India and that India’s energy demands are increasing every year.
“Certainly, this is a perfect case of mutual accommodation and complementarity of our economies,” he said. “We are quite certain that our cooperation will continue.”
‘Sanctions hitting those who are imposing them’
The Russian diplomat also argued that Western sanctions are ultimately counterproductive, stating that “the sanctions are hitting those who are imposing them.” According to him, sanctions have failed to weaken Russia, which continues to experience steady economic growth.
Babushkin said that India refusing Russian oil under pressure from the West would not bring equal cooperation from Western nations. “They behave like neocolonial powers that think of their own benefit,” he added.
The remarks follow the announcement by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt that President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, which is set to double to 50 percent on August 27.
India responds
The Indian government has condemned the move, calling it “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”. The new tariffs are expected to hit sectors such as textiles, marine products, and leather goods particularly hard.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India will not bow to economic coercion, reiterating New Delhi’s commitment to independent foreign and trade policy decisions.
India matters to Russia, says Babushkin
Referring to a recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Modi, Babushkin said the conversation highlighted India’s importance to Russia. He expressed confidence that both countries could work through challenges to find mutually satisfying solutions.
“This is the true strategic partnership we are enjoying,” he said. “Whatever happens, even during challenges, we are committed to removing any problems.”
Russia criticises US approach to allies
Babushkin also took a swipe at the US approach to allies like India, saying that Washington’s recent moves show a lack of genuine partnership. “As we all know, the sanctions are a tool of unlawful competition,” he said. “Friends don’t behave like that.”
BRICS will not impose sanctions, says Russia
He reiterated that Russia and BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have never imposed sanctions and labelled any sanctions not approved by the United Nations as illegal.
“You will never see sanctions imposed by Russia or within BRICS organisations. They just weaponise the economy,” he said.