Russia has dismissed claims by US President Donald Trump that India agreed to stop purchasing Russian crude oil.
Speaking at a weekly briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow has “no reason to believe” that India has changed its stance on importing Russian hydrocarbons. She emphasized that India’s oil purchases benefit both nations and help maintain stability in the global energy market.
Zakharova also criticised the US for attempting to influence independent countries’ decisions, referring to statements by Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio had recently claimed that India committed to halting Russian oil imports.
The issue comes amid improving trade ties between India and the United States, including a reduction in US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%.
India has not officially confirmed or denied Washington’s claim. Moscow has previously accused the US of using tariffs, sanctions, and other measures to discourage countries from buying Russian oil.
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