‘Admirable Characteristic’: Russia On India Putting National Interest First Despite Trump's Tariffs

Last Updated:December 02, 2025, 21:09 IST

Russia said it cannot interfere in India–US ties but noted that New Delhi is facing pressure over its purchase of Russian oil.

Putin’s upcoming India visit comes as Moscow praises New Delhi’s sovereign stand amid US pressure over Russian oil purchases. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said Moscow cannot interfere in the diplomatic relationship between Washington D.C. and New Delhi, although it understands that India is under pressure. His remarks came in response to questions on the penalty tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Indian exports for continuing to buy Russian oil. The interaction took place ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India for a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

US President Donald Trump recently imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25 percent penalty linked to Russian oil purchases. Washington argues that India’s imports have helped Moscow sustain its war in Ukraine. Trump has also claimed that India has agreed to reduce its intake of Russian crude following new US sanctions on Moscow’s energy sector.

India has maintained that its energy policy will remain guided by national interest and the need to secure affordable supplies for Indian consumers.

Peskov welcomed that position during the briefing. “We cannot interfere in the diplomatic relations between the US and India. We understand that there is pressure over India. This is the reason we have to be careful in creating an architecture of the relationship that must be free of any influence coming from any third country," he said.

“We know that India is very sovereign in defining its national interests. We admire this characteristic of India," he added.

The Kremlin has indicated that both sides are expected to adopt a joint statement and sign a wide range of interdepartmental and business agreements. Key issues on the table include boosting bilateral trade through local currencies, expanding energy cooperation despite Western sanctions on Moscow, enhancing defence ties and discussing the Ukraine conflict. Announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs said the summit will shape the vision for strengthening the India-Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership."

New Delhi is also expected to raise concerns over the widening trade deficit arising from large-scale imports of discounted Russian crude.

The visit is taking place at a time India-US ties are facing their sharpest strain in nearly two decades.

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