Sharply criticising Washington’s tariffs and pressure on India over Russian oil imports, Russia’s Charge d’Affaires called the measures ‘unjustified and unilateral. His remarks came as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar embarked on a visit to Moscow on Tuesday to co-chair the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC)
PM Modi and President Vladimir Putin had met in Russia last year. File pic
Roman Babushkin, Charge d'Affaires at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, on Wednesday held a press briefing to discuss the India-Russia relations and the US-imposed tariffs on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
Sharply criticising Washington's decision to impose tariffs, along with the pressure placed on New Delhi regarding its oil imports from Russia, Babushkin termed the measures "unjustified and unilateral”, reported ANI.
His remarks came as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar embarked on a visit to Moscow on Tuesday to co-chair the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC).
Addressing the press in Delhi, Babushkin stated, "If Indian goods are facing difficulties entering the US market, the Russian market is welcoming Indian exports."
Regarding the US's repeated calls for India to reduce its Russian oil imports, Babushkin remarked that Russia is the largest producer of oil, and India is the largest consumer.
“Any kind of unilateral action leads to disruptions in supply chains, imbalance in pricing policies, and destabilisation of global markets, endangering the energy security of developing countries. Hypothetically, if India refuses Russian oil, it will not lead to equal cooperation with the West because it is not in the Western nature, as demonstrated in recent years. They behave like neocolonial powers that think only of their own benefit. This pressure is unjustified and unilateral," he said.
When asked about the statement made by the US Trade Adviser urging India to stop buying Russian oil to avoid secondary tariffs, Babushkin expressed confidence that New Delhi would not bow to such pressure.
"If the West criticises you, it means you are doing everything right... We don’t expect that to happen (India halting Russian oil imports). We understand the challenging circumstances India faces. This is the true strategic partnership we are enjoying. Whatever happens, even in the face of challenges, we are committed to resolving any issues... The recent phone call from President Putin to PM Modi ji, where he shared information about recent developments in Ukraine, shows that India matters a lot to Russia. We are capable of finding any solution for mutual satisfaction. The deepening of our partnership will help us grow together", he said.
Babushkin also pointed out that despite the ongoing issue of sanctions, the bilateral trade between Russia and India has been growing, reported ANI.
"We have faced this problem of sanctions for many years now, but our trade has grown. In recent years, our trade has increased sevenfold," he added.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Jaishankar is co-chairing the Russia-India IRIGC, a key platform for bilateral cooperation on trade, energy, finance, and defence. Babushkin emphasised the significance of Jaishankar's visit, describing IRIGC as the "main mechanism of Russian-Indian cooperation."
"Currently, Dr. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, is in Russia to co-chair the IRIGC today, on the 20th of August. Our meeting is very timely. We are supporting our dignitaries in their discussions. Tomorrow, Dr. Jaishankar will be meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov," Babushkin said.
He also stressed the importance of the IRIGC, noting, "IRIGC is the main mechanism for Russian-Indian practical cooperation. It prepares the ground for the leaders' contacts. As you may be aware, there are reports that by the end of the year, leaders will be meeting here in Delhi, though no dates have been announced yet."
The IRIGC alternates between Moscow and New Delhi, and this year’s agenda, according to Babushkin, will cover "trade, investments, financial cooperation, energy cooperation, nuclear power, culture, infrastructure, etc."
"On the sidelines, a bilateral business forum is being held, co-hosted by the Moscow Government’s Business Council on Cooperation with India and India’s FICCI. Looking ahead, Babushkin noted, "Among future engagements is the SCO Summit in China. There are reports that our leaders are also planning to meet there. Further delegation exchanges are very intense," he added.
The Russian diplomat also mentioned that President Vladimir Putin had congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India’s Independence Day, expressed condolences over the devastating floods in Kashmir, and shared details of his recent conversation with US President Donald Trump.
(With ANI inputs)
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