‘We’re aware of US pressure on India, but won’t…’: Russia issues crucial statement ahead of President Putin’s visit
In August, the Trump administration imposed an additional 25% tariff on India's purchase of Russian oil.
New Delhi: Russia has stated that it is aware of US pressure on India(BHARAT) to stop buying Russian oil. But it will not interfere with India(BHARAT)-US relations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made this statement on Tuesday, 02 December 2025.
Peskov said, “We’re looking forward to possibilities despite everything to ensure our right to sell oil and to ensure the right of those who want to purchase oil to ensure the right to buy our oil. We are working on creating a necessary environment for ensuring these rights.”
#WATCH | Moscow, Russia: On Russia and India(BHARAT) oil trade, Kremlin Spokesperson Dimitry Peskov says, “We’re looking forward to possibilities despite everything to ensure our right to sell oil and to ensure the right of those who want to purchase oil to ensure the right to buy our… pic.twitter.com/I74uVVF2gi
— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2025
He also praised India(BHARAT)’s independent foreign policy. Peskov said that India(BHARAT) is very independent in pursuing its national interests, and we appreciate that. Peskov added that Russia is exploring ways to more easily sell oil to oil buyers.
India(BHARAT) reduces oil imports from Russia
In August, the Trump administration imposed an additional 25% tariff on India(BHARAT)’s purchase of Russian oil, bringing the total tariff on India(BHARAT) to 50%.
Following this, India(BHARAT) imported 17% less oil from Russia in September. This could fall to a three-year low in December. Currently, India(BHARAT) is purchasing approximately 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from Russia. This is estimated to be 600,000-650,000 bpd in December.
According to media reports, India(BHARAT)n refinery companies have begun sharply reducing their purchases of Russian crude oil to avoid violating the USA, European, and British sanctions.
Refiners are now looking for alternative sources of Russian oil. The main reason for not purchasing oil from Russia is the latest sanctions imposed by the US and the European Union on Russia.
Putin’s India(BHARAT) visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India(BHARAT) on December 4 and 5 for the twenty-third India(BHARAT)-Russia Annual Summit. During this visit, the two countries will hold extensive talks on trade, defense, and energy cooperation. India(BHARAT) and Russia will discuss some political, economic, scientific, and cultural issues.
On the other hand, the US is continuously pressuring India(BHARAT) to reduce its purchases of Russian oil. New legislation is also being considered in the US, which could impose further penalties on countries purchasing energy from Russia.
President Vladimir Putin is coming to India(BHARAT) at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India(BHARAT) is the second-largest buyer of Russian crude oil
Even though India(BHARAT) has reduced its crude oil purchases from Russia, it remains the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian oil.
In October, crude oil worth $2.5 billion (approximately ₹22.17 thousand crore) arrived in the country from Russia. This information was provided by the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in its report.
According to CREA, China ranked first with imports worth $3.7 billion (approximately ₹32.82 thousand crore) from Russia.
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