'Beneficial For Indian Economy’: Moscow Gives It Back To Trump’s Fresh Russian Oil Claim

In a pointed response to Donald Trump's recent bluff on Russian oil imports, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov emphasised that ties with India remain governed by a solid bilateral pact, prioritising mutual strategic goals over external pressures. 

Moscow has called out Trump's remarks while staunchly defending New Delhi's right to pursue its national interests, highlighting India's growing importance as a key partner amid global energy shifts. This exchange underscores the resilience of Russia-India relations against U.S. geopolitical maneuvering.

Speaking to reporters, Alipov underscored India’s sovereign right to prioritise its national interests, particularly in the context of its robust energy partnership with Russia.

Alipov dismissed Trump’s comments as irrelevant to the strategic relationship between Moscow and New Delhi, stating, “Whatever is going on, it is the bilateral business between India and the U.S. We proceed from the understanding that the policy of the Indian government, first of all, reflects the interest of the Indian people, the interest of the national economy, and those goals do not contradict the Russia-India relations.”

He highlighted the deep trust and comprehensive dialogue that define the two nations’ ties, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The ambassador noted that Russian oil supplies are a cornerstone of this partnership, providing significant economic benefits to India.

“We think that our supplies of oil are very, very beneficial for the Indian economy, for the welfare of Indian people, and the prime minister, the Indian government has gone on record on many accounts that these are the reasons for the current extensive cooperation with Russia in energy,” Alipov said.

He added that the ongoing cooperation is backed by concrete figures and a commitment to further discussions, ensuring the stability of this critical sector.

Alipov also clarified that Russia respects India’s independent foreign policy, including its relations with the U.S., and does not interfere in those dynamics.

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“This is a bilateral track of India with the U.S., and India has a bilateral track with us. We consider those independent. Our relationship is not directed against anyone,” he asserted.

This stance reflects the broader resilience of Russia-India relations, which continue to thrive amid global energy shifts and geopolitical tensions.

The ambassador’s remarks come at a time when India’s energy imports from Russia have grown significantly, driven by mutual economic interests and strategic alignment.

As global energy markets face uncertainty, the Russia-India energy partnership stands as a testament to their shared commitment to prioritising national welfare and economic stability over external rhetoric.