Kremlin, Russia – Two days after American President Donald Trump announced a trade deal claiming India would stop buying India Russian oil, Russia has responded with a measured statement affirming New Delhi’s freedom to purchase oil from any country. Russia’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia is not the only supplier of oil and petroleum products to India, noting that New Delhi has always purchased these products from various countries.
Peskov’s remarks came in response to questions about Trump’s assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt India Russian oil purchases and switch to American suppliers. The Kremlin spokesperson stated that international energy experts are well aware of India’s diversified oil sourcing strategy, suggesting there is nothing new in the current situation.
Trump’s Trade Deal Claims Under Scrutiny
President Trump announced the trade deal with India on Monday, which included lower reciprocal tariffs and claims about halting India Russian oil imports. According to Trump’s statement, India would increase imports of American goods and energy while discontinuing Russian oil purchases. However, the details surrounding the India Russian oil commitment remain unclear, with India confirming only the tariff reduction portion of the agreement.
The trade deal emerged after a phone call between Trump and PM Modi, where both leaders discussed bilateral economic cooperation. Modi welcomed the reduced US tariff of 18% on Indian goods, down from the previous 25% reciprocal tariff plus an additional 25% penalty. However, his official statement made no mention of commitments related to India Russian oil purchases or any trade deal beyond tariff relief.
India’s Official Silence on Russian Oil Commitments
Prime Minister Modi’s social media post following the announcement focused exclusively on tariff reductions. He expressed gratitude to President Trump on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians for the reduced duties on Made in India products. The conspicuous absence of any reference to India Russian oil in Modi’s statement has raised questions about the actual scope of the agreement.
A prominent Russian radio channel, Kommersant FM, noted this discrepancy, pointing out that unlike President Trump, PM Modi did not mention any agreement on halting India Russian oil imports. This selective acknowledgment suggests potential differences between American and Indian interpretations of the trade deal.
Russia Values Strategic Partnership with India
On Tuesday, Peskov stated that Russia hadn’t heard anything from New Delhi regarding changes to India Russian oil purchases. He emphasized that Russia values its relationship with India and would continue developing its strategic partnership with New Delhi. This diplomatic response indicates Russia’s confidence in maintaining its energy relationship with India despite American pressure.
The Kremlin’s measured tone suggests Moscow is not overly concerned about losing the Indian market. Russia’s approach reflects understanding of India’s strategic autonomy and the practical challenges of completely replacing India Russian oil with American supplies.
Technical Challenges in Replacing Russian Oil
Leading Russian energy expert Igor Yushkov from the National Energy Security Fund has highlighted significant technical obstacles to completely stopping India Russian oil imports. According to Yushkov, Indian refiners cannot fully replace Russian crude due to fundamental differences in oil grades.
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“The American shale oil they export is light grades, similar to gas condensate. Russia, on the other hand, supplies relatively heavy, sulfur-rich Urals,” Yushkov explained. This means India would need to blend US crude with other grades, incurring additional costs that make simple substitution impossible.
Volume and Supply Considerations
Russia currently exports 1.5 million to 2 million barrels per day to India, a substantial volume that America cannot easily cover. Yushkov suggested that Trump may be attempting to portray the negotiations as an American victory, claiming the deal was concluded entirely according to US demands, even if the reality regarding India Russian oil is more nuanced.
These volume considerations highlight the practical impossibility of an immediate and complete halt to India Russian oil purchases. India’s energy security depends on maintaining diverse supply sources, and Russian oil has become integral to this strategy.
India’s Diversified Energy Strategy
India has historically maintained a diversified approach to oil procurement, purchasing from multiple international suppliers. The country’s energy needs are substantial and growing, requiring reliable sources at competitive prices. India Russian oil has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly as India seeks cost-effective energy solutions for its expanding economy.
The current situation demonstrates India’s careful balancing act between maintaining strong ties with the United States while preserving its strategic autonomy in energy decisions. New Delhi has consistently maintained that its foreign policy is guided by national interests rather than external pressure.
Future Implications for Energy Relations
The ambiguity surrounding India Russian oil commitments in the trade deal reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. While Trump claims a comprehensive agreement, the lack of Indian confirmation suggests negotiations may continue. Russia’s confident response indicates Moscow believes its energy partnership with India will endure, regardless of American efforts to alter the relationship.
As this situation develops, the practical realities of oil grades, supply volumes, and refinery requirements may prove more determinative than political announcements in shaping India’s actual energy sourcing decisions.
