Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Moscow has not yet been informed by New Delhi about rejecting Russian oil supplies. Peskov stated during a media briefing that there have been no official statements from Delhi on this matter. However, he highlighted that the Kremlin is closely monitoring US President Donald Trump’s remarks, particularly those concerning India and oil.
Peskov emphasized the importance of the US-India relationship and Russia’s strategic partnership with India. He expressed the Kremlin’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations in various ways. Recently, the White House announced the removal of a 25% tariff on Russian oil purchases by India as part of an agreement to halt such imports.
President Trump revealed that India agreed to stop buying Russian oil during a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump also mentioned a trade deal that would lower the US reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. The agreement is seen as a significant development in trade relations between the two countries, focusing on energy cooperation and broader geopolitical objectives.
PM Modi welcomed the reduced tariff on ‘Made in India’ products and emphasized the benefits of collaboration between the two largest democracies. A senior US official confirmed that the 25% additional tariff was linked to India’s Russian oil purchases, which will now be eliminated following India’s decision to discontinue such imports. The US has been urging allies to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources since the conflict in Ukraine began.
