New Delhi: Russia continues to be India’s most cost-effective and reliable energy partner, consistently honouring its supply commitments despite global pressures, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov said on Thursday. His remarks come just hours after former US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him India would stop purchasing Russian oil, a statement that sparked debate over India’s energy strategy and foreign policy alignments.

Oil Supplies and Strategic Partnership

Russian oil accounts for roughly one-third of India’s total crude imports, making it a critical component of the country’s energy security. Addressing an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, Alipov highlighted that Russia’s oil supplies remain competitively priced, providing significant economic advantages for India amidst volatile global markets.

“The India-Russia strategic partnership is a stabilising force in global affairs and a powerful driver of economic growth,” Alipov said. He emphasized that the bilateral relationship is uninterrupted and mutually beneficial, with a trajectory that he described as irreversible, even in the context of ongoing geopolitical turbulence.

The ambassador also noted that Russia has consistently honoured its contractual obligations, countering attempts by third parties to disrupt energy cooperation. With the upcoming annual India-Russia summit in December, Alipov called for further strengthening coordination in energy, defence, trade, connectivity, and technology, highlighting the broad scope of the bilateral relationship.

US Pressure and India’s Response

In recent months, India has faced mounting pressure from Trump to curtail its purchases of Russian oil and military equipment, with the former US president asserting that such procurement indirectly supports Russia’s military campaigns in Ukraine. Trump also imposed tariffs, including a 25% levy on Russian oil imports, straining India-US economic ties.

Alipov, however, dismissed these pressures, asserting that India-Russia cooperation is rooted in long-standing trust and mutual interest rather than transactional considerations. He highlighted that Russia’s partnership extends beyond energy, encompassing military and technological collaboration critical to India’s strategic autonomy.

Defence Cooperation and Technology Sharing

Approximately 70% of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin, and Alipov underscored that this cooperation has evolved from a simple buyer-seller model to full technology sharing and joint production. Notable examples include the BrahMos cruise missiles, Su-30MKI jets, and T-90 tanks, which have been pivotal in operations such as Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.

Alipov also mentioned ongoing discussions for local production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter, alongside initiatives in drones, anti-drone systems, advanced radar technology, and other force multipliers. He emphasized that Russia’s willingness to share battlefield-tested knowledge with India sets the partnership apart from typical international defence collaborations.

Trade, Sanctions, and Economic Measures

In 2024, Russia became India’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $70 billion. Moscow remains a leading supplier of energy, fertilizers, and agricultural products. To mitigate risks from Western sanctions, Alipov pointed out that India and Russia have developed independent payment mechanisms based on national currencies and established alternative connectivity routes, ensuring stability in economic exchanges.

The ambassador also criticized the Global North for imposing what he termed “neo-colonial unilateral measures, including legal sanctions and tariffs,” arguing that such actions reflect a reluctance to accept a multipolar world. According to Alipov, platforms like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are increasingly important for promoting pragmatic cooperation and reducing dependence on Western-led economic systems.

Looking Ahead: Putin’s December Visit

Alipov highlighted that the upcoming India-Russia summit in New Delhi will mark the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership being elevated to a special and privileged relationship in 2010. He called the summit an “excellent opportunity” to further elevate cooperation and strengthen coordination on the global stage, particularly in areas of shared strategic and economic interest.

The ambassador’s remarks were also aimed at reaffirming India-Russia energy and defence cooperation in light of public statements by Trump. He stressed that the relationship is not only resilient but increasingly relevant, particularly as the world navigates unprecedented geopolitical and economic challenges.

Alipov concluded by emphasizing that India’s reliance on Russian oil is both prudent and sustainable, with Moscow committed to honouring supply agreements, strengthening technological collaboration, and supporting India’s strategic autonomy in the global arena.