Russia is ready to continue supplying India with as much crude oil as the country needs, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said on Friday, while criticising Western sanctions and tariffs targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil.
Speaking to ANI, Alipov described the measures as “pressure tactics” and argued that they reflect an attempt to discourage India from maintaining its energy trade with Russia. He said India has demonstrated its willingness to defend its national interests despite growing external pressure over Russian oil purchases.
Russia Reaffirms Oil Supply Commitment
Alipov said Moscow remains interested in supplying crude to India and that Russia is prepared to meet Indian demand.
“We would be ready to supply as much oil as India needs,” the ambassador said, adding that energy interests remain important for New Delhi.
He also argued that the availability of Russian crude remains significant for global energy markets and said Russia would continue supplying oil to India and other international buyers.
Envoy Criticises Western Measures
The Russian ambassador criticised secondary sanctions and tariffs aimed at countries and companies continuing to deal with Russian oil producers.
According to Alipov, such measures amount to punitive pressure rather than an effort to secure better commercial alternatives for India. He questioned why countries seeking to restrict Russian oil trade could not offer India a more competitive supply arrangement.
His comments come amid continuing disagreements between India and Western countries over New Delhi's purchase of Russian crude.
India Balances Energy Security
India has repeatedly maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national interests, availability and affordability.
The issue has become particularly important as international oil markets face renewed volatility because of geopolitical tensions in West Asia. India's crude basket reached $99.35 per barrel on September 2, according to a recent report, increasing pressure on the country's oil import costs.
India imports a large share of its crude oil requirements, making the availability of competitively priced supplies an important consideration for refiners and policymakers.
Russian Oil Remains Important to Trade
Russian crude became a major component of India's oil imports following the disruption of global energy markets after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions.
The increase in purchases was driven partly by the availability of Russian crude at competitive prices. India has continued to engage with Russia while also maintaining energy relationships with suppliers in the Middle East, the United States and other markets.
Recent developments have also included improvements in India-Russia payment mechanisms. Reuters reported that Russia and India have developed payment infrastructure using the rupee and rouble, with the system facilitating a large share of bilateral trade.
Global Oil Market Faces Fresh Risks
The debate over Russian oil comes at a time when global energy markets are already facing supply concerns.
Renewed military tensions in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to volatility in crude prices. Reuters reported that Brent crude recently moved above $95 per barrel as investors assessed geopolitical risks and potential supply disruptions.
For India, sustained increases in crude prices could affect the import bill and broader inflationary pressures.
India-Russia Energy Ties Continue
Alipov's comments underline Moscow's intention to preserve its position as a major energy supplier to India despite Western restrictions.
The Russian envoy also pointed to India's independent foreign-policy approach, arguing that New Delhi has continued to prioritise its national interests in making energy decisions.
India, meanwhile, faces the challenge of maintaining energy security while navigating sanctions-related risks and its wider relationships with Russia, the United States, Europe and other major economic partners.
For now, Russia's assurance that it can continue supplying India comes as global energy markets remain uncertain and the debate over the future of Russian crude in international trade continues.
