India and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral trade ties, signaling that U.S. tariff pressure on New Delhi over Russian oil imports will not disrupt their partnership.
U.S. Tariff Pressure on India
The Trump administration has threatened tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports to the U.S. in response to New Delhi’s continued import of Russian oil. Despite this, both nations have pledged to expand cooperation across energy, trade, and labor mobility.
Jaishankar: India-Russia Relations Among the Steadiest
Speaking at a joint press conference in Moscow, Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said:
“The India-Russia relationship has been among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War.”
Jaishankar emphasized that both countries aim to reduce trade imbalances by boosting India’s exports of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles to Russia.
Record Trade Despite Imbalances
- Bilateral trade between New Delhi and Moscow reached a record $68.7 billion in the year ending March 2025.
- India’s increased oil imports from Russia contributed to a $59 billion trade deficit.
Jaishankar also noted plans to send Indian workers skilled in IT, construction, and engineering to help Russia address its labor shortages.
Energy Cooperation: A Key Pillar
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted strong cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector, stating that Russian oil shipments to India are “making wide strides.”
He added that both sides remain committed to joint energy projects in the Russian Far East and Arctic shelf, reinforcing their long-term energy collaboration.
“This strategic partnership contributes to regional security and stability, which is undeniably important considering the challenging international circumstances,” Lavrov said.
Western Pressure and India’s Response
Western governments argue that India’s rising oil imports from Russia are helping finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine. However, New Delhi has rejected this criticism, pointing out that:
- The U.S. itself requested Indian oil purchases to stabilize global markets.
- The U.S. and EU continue to trade with Russia, despite sanctions.
Russia: Oil Supplies to India Will Continue
Russian officials in New Delhi reiterated their commitment to supply oil to India, regardless of U.S. pressure.
Roman Babushkin, Charge d’Affaires at the Russian Embassy in India, said:
“Despite the political situation, we can predict the same level of oil import by India.”
He also noted Moscow’s hope to host a trilateral meeting with India and China soon.
Key Takeaways
- India and Russia reaffirm partnership despite U.S. tariff threats.
- Bilateral trade hit $68.7B in FY2024–25, with India facing a $59B deficit.
- Focus areas: energy cooperation, labor mobility, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles.
- Russia confirms oil shipments to India will continue.
- Partnership seen as a stabilizing factor in a tense global environment.
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