The country’s ambassador to Russia said that India will continue to buy oil from the “best deal” to protect the interests of its 1.4 billion people from where “the best deal”.
Vinay Kumar’s statement is set to kick, including US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on India, 25% for purchasing Russian oil and weapons.
On Sunday, US vice -president JD Vance said that Trump had announced a secondary tariff on India to implement “aggressive economic lens” on Russia and forces the war in Ukraine.
Since the war started, the increased imports of Delhi’s cheap Russian crude stressed their relations with the US and affected the conversation on a business deal.
Russian crude made 35–40% of India’s oil imports in 2024, 3% in 2021.
The US has alleged that India’s procurement of Russian oil is helping to fund the war in Ukraine, one in -charge Delhi refuses.
On Sunday, Kumar told Russia’s Tass News Agency that India’s trade market was based on factors And its priority remains energy security for its population. He also reiterated the stand of India that Trump’s decision to put a secondary tariff was “unfair, inappropriate and unfair”.
Kumar’s statement came after India’s Foreign Minister Jaishankar Strongly defends India’s purchase of Russian crude,
He said on Saturday, “This is fun for those who work for a pro -personnel US administration, accusing others of doing business,”
He said that India maintained strategic autonomy in making its decisions, indicating that it would not be pressured by the US to reduce oil imports from Russia.
India has a friendly relationship with Ukraine, while Russia is one of its most important colleagues.
Delhi has repeatedly called for the Russia-Ukraine war for “peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy”, but despite the West pressure, Russia’s public condemnation has survived.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ukraine in 2024, and India expressed its wish “Contribute with all possible ways To facilitate an initial restoration of peace ”.
On Sunday, Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Olecasandra Polishchuk, told the local media that President Volodimer Zelanski may soon visit India, although the dates have not been confirmed yet.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit India for some time this year.
On Sunday, Vance expressed confidence in Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
He said, “He (Trump) tried to clarify that Russia could be re -included in the world economy if they stop the murder.
