Pushing back against U.S. President Trump’s narrative, Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov has clarified that India retains full liberty in its oil sourcing, including from Russia, despite a nascent trade accord. ‘No surprises here—India’s approach is business as usual,’ Peskov remarked.
Trump suggested India traded Russian oil abstinence for U.S. tariff reductions to 18% on its exports. Peskov countered that Russia isn’t India’s lone vendor; diverse imports are par for the course, with zero hints of discontinuation.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova delved deeper, advocating sustained energy collaboration for market equilibrium. Indian facilities, she explained, depend on Russian blends irreplaceable swiftly by American alternatives, ensuring ongoing viability.
Recapping history, India’s post-sanction boom in Russian crude—peaking at one-third of 2025 imports—has tempered recently amid trade winds. Peskov emphasized India’s strategic autonomy, with partnerships rooted in mutual commercial gains.
The Kremlin’s tone conveys confidence in enduring ties, as global energy chess plays out. Trump’s claim, while headline-grabbing, overlooks the nuanced realities of supply chains and refinery specifics that bind Russia and India.
Looking ahead, this affirmation could stabilize expectations for oil traders, highlighting how national interests trump rhetorical flourishes in international relations.