India Urged to Deepen Russia Ties Amid US Tariff Blowback Over Oil Imports

Russia calls US sanctions on India “unjustified” and offers expanded trade opportunities as tariff tensions escalate under Trump administration.

New Delhi – A senior Russian diplomat has publicly invited India to ramp up trade with Moscow, suggesting the Russian market is ready to welcome more Indian exports amid rising pressure from Washington over crude oil purchases.

Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Russian Embassy in India, strongly criticised the United States’ decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods in retaliation for India’s continued import of Russian oil. “If Indian products face difficulty accessing US markets, we are more than willing to accommodate them here in Russia,” Babushkin told reporters at a press conference held in Delhi on Wednesday.

He described the American sanctions as “unilateral and unfair”, emphasising that they ultimately harm the countries that impose them. “Despite the pressure, our bilateral energy cooperation will endure,” he added.

The remarks follow recent statements from US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who linked President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian imports to 50% with India’s refusal to back down from buying Russian oil. The additional levies are set to take effect on August 27, targeting sectors like textiles, marine, and leather goods.

Russia Reiterates Strategic Partnership with India

Babushkin reaffirmed Russia’s status as India’s largest crude oil supplier and highlighted the complementary nature of their economies. He noted that India’s growing energy demands align well with Russia’s capacity to meet them.

He also warned against over-reliance on Western promises. “If India were to reduce or halt its oil imports from Russia, it wouldn’t automatically translate into fair cooperation with the West. Their track record demonstrates a self-serving, neocolonial approach,” Babushkin said, drawing a sharp contrast between the diplomatic styles of the East and West.

India’s Stand and Growing Trade with Russia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has denounced the US move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” vowing that India would not buckle under economic pressure. The sentiment was echoed by Babushkin, who said: “True partnerships are tested during challenging times. We remain committed to resolving any obstacles with India.”

Babushkin also pointed to India’s increasing role in BRICS and hailed the grouping’s consistent avoidance of sanctions-based diplomacy. “Unlike Western nations, BRICS countries don’t impose sanctions. Such actions are a form of economic weaponisation and are illegal when not sanctioned by the UN,” he said.

According to Babushkin, Russia’s economy continues to grow despite the West’s ongoing sanction regime. “You cannot isolate a major power like Russia. The fact that our trade with India has grown sevenfold proves that sanctions aren’t working,” he added.