Roman Babushkin, Charge d’Affaires at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, on Wednesday criticised the United States over tariffs on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, calling the move “unjustified and unilateral.”
His comments came as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began his visit to Moscow to co-chair the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC), a central mechanism for bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, defence and finance.
At a press conference in Delhi, Babushkin said Russia remained committed to supporting India’s energy security despite external pressure. “If Indian goods are facing difficulties entering the US market, the Russian market is welcoming Indian exports,” he said.
Rejecting Washington’s calls for India to cut oil imports from Moscow, he remarked, “Russia is the largest producer of oil and India is the largest consumer. Any unilateral action disrupts supply chains, creates pricing imbalances, and destabilises global markets, endangering the energy security of developing countries. Hypothetically, if India refuses Russian oil, it will not lead to equal cooperation with the West… They behave like neocolonial powers that think of their own benefit. This pressure is unjustified and unilateral.”
On the possibility of secondary sanctions, Babushkin said Moscow did not expect India to halt its purchases. “If the West criticises you, it means you are doing everything right. We know the circumstances for India are challenging, but this is a true strategic partnership. Whatever the challenges, we are committed to resolving them,” he said.
Citing recent high-level engagement, he added, “President Putin’s call to Prime Minister Modi, sharing details on developments in Ukraine, shows that India matters a lot to Russia. We are capable of finding solutions for mutual satisfaction. Our trade has already grown seven times in recent years despite sanctions.”
Meanwhile in Moscow, Jaishankar co-chaired the IRIGC with Russian officials. Babushkin called the mechanism the “main platform of Russian-Indian cooperation,” noting that this year’s agenda covers trade, investments, energy, nuclear power, infrastructure and cultural exchanges.
He said preparations were underway for future high-level meetings, including a possible leaders’ summit in New Delhi later this year, though dates are yet to be finalised. A parallel business forum, co-hosted by Moscow’s Business Council on Cooperation with India and India’s FICCI, is also being held.
Looking ahead, the Russian diplomat pointed to further engagements, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where leaders of both nations may meet again.
-ANI