Russia has responded sharply to recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would stop importing Russian oil. In Moscow’s view, such assertions misrepresent India’s independent decision making and Russia insists it does not interfere in New Delhi’s policies. 

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov was quoted saying that India’s choices regarding its energy sourcing are grounded in national interest, not in any external mandate. He emphasized that Russian energy supplies have been and continue to be beneficial for the Indian economy. Moscow’s posture is firm: it respects India’s sovereignty and expects its bilateral energy relationship to persist. 

This reaction comes amid mounting geopolitical pressure on India to cut ties with Russia in the energy sector. Trump’s claim implied Modi had made a commitment to Washington to phase out Russian oil. Russia’s statement, however, frames such claims as misinterpretations of India’s policy process. 

In parallel, Russian officials have expressed confidence that their energy ties with India will weather such external noise. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stressed ongoing strategic cooperation, noting that India remains a trusted partner in Moscow’s global energy calculus. 

The backdrop to this exchange is complex. India, while under diplomatic pressure from the US to reduce its Russian oil imports, maintains its stance that energy security and affordability are foundational to national stability. From Russia’s perspective, any suggestion that it dictates or unduly influences India’s policy is dismissed outright.

This public pushback signifies more than just diplomatic semantics. It reflects how India’s multi-aligned foreign policy strategy is being tested: balancing pressure from one partner while sustaining mutually beneficial ties with another. For Russia, retaining India as a major energy customer is both economic and symbolic. For India, navigating between competing global forces underscores the delicate art of sovereignty in a contested world.

In essence, Moscow’s response reinforces its message India’s energy decisions are its own and Russia expects the partnership to continue on that basis.

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