Russia has clarified that India is free to source crude oil from any country and that its efforts to diversify oil suppliers are normal and not directed specifically at Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said India’s diversification strategy is longstanding, noting Russia has never been its sole energy partner. Peskov also stressed that Moscow has not received any official communication from New Delhi indicating an end to Russian oil purchases, countering recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump following a U.S.–India trade deal.
Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, reinforced that energy cooperation benefits both countries and contributes to global market stability, and Russia remains ready to continue cooperation with India. Peskov’s comments followed Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to halt Russian oil imports and instead increase crude purchases from the U.S. and possibly Venezuela. India has not publicly confirmed any change in its Russian oil imports.
Energy analysts also pointed out that fully replacing Russian crude with U.S. oil would be difficult for Indian refiners due to differences in oil grades and required blending.