Kremlin Comments on India’s Purchase of Russian Oil
The spokesperson for the Russian presidency, Dmitry Peskov, stated that sovereign nations have the right to select their trade partners regarding India’s acquisition of Russian oil.
During a press briefing, when questioned about whether the Kremlin perceives a threat to Russian energy exports, Peskov affirmed, “We believe that sovereign nations have the right to determine their trade partners, as well as to choose economic cooperation systems that serve their interests,” as reported by a Russian news agency.
Peskov also emphasized that Western demands for countries to sever trade ties with Russia are unlawful. He remarked, “We hear many statements that are essentially threats, and we do not regard them as legitimate.”
Earlier, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal expressed that India’s reliance on Russian oil is justified, arguing that criticisms from the U.S. and Europe are baseless and illogical. He noted that India will take necessary measures to safeguard its interests and economic security.
Previously, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he had been informed that India planned to cease purchasing oil from Russia.
In contrast, an Indian newspaper reported, citing sources, that state-owned oil refineries in India continue to source oil from Russian suppliers.