Russia’s Lavrov Defends India’s Oil Trade, Announces Putin’s December Visit

Amidst a backdrop of US tariffs on Indian oil purchases from Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has backed India’s position. The United States placed an additional 50% tariff on India for its oil imports from Russia. Lavrov asserted India’s complete autonomy in its oil trade decisions and commended Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Lavrov shared that he does not raise oil and trade issues during his discussions with Jaishankar because India makes these decisions independently. Lavrov praised India’s ‘self-respect’ and its stance on oil trade. He referenced Jaishankar’s statement that India is open to discussing terms if the US wishes to sell oil to them, but that India’s oil purchases from other nations, including Russia, are a matter of its own and not connected to the India-US agenda. In addition, Lavrov confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in December this year. He highlighted the robust relationship between the two nations, which includes extensive cooperation in trade, defense, and technological sectors, as well as international coordination within SCO, BRICS, and at bilateral levels. The developments arise during trade negotiations between India and the US. The Trump administration imposed tariffs on India, including a 25% surcharge specifically targeting India’s oil trade with Russia.