Russia ready to supply India with ‘as much oil as it needs’ as envoy denounces US ‘pressure tactics’

Russia says it is ready to supply India with “as much oil as it needs,” even as Washington threatens tougher tariffs over New Delhi’s purchases of Russian crude.

Denis Alipov, Russia’s ambassador to India, told the news agency ANI that Moscow would continue offering oil and accused the United States of relying on pressure rather than cooperation. “We would be ready to supply as much oil as India needs,” he said. He added that sanctions and tariffs prevented other countries from offering India a better deal.

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We would be ready to supply as much oil as India needs. Unfortunately, those who impose sanctions and tariffs have taken the path of pressure tactics instead of honest cooperation, which prevents those countries from offering a better deal to India in oil than us.

The remarks came after the United States imposed a 50% tariff on India for what it described as “fueling the war in Ukraine.” The Trump administration has also pursued measures aimed at stopping sales of Russian oil while the war continues. Although Washington issued a temporary waiver for purchases linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a Senate bill backed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham would allow tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian crude and natural gas. The measure could affect India, China and Turkey.

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The energy markets cannot afford the exclusion of Russian oil. Russian oil will stay in the market for India and other countries. We are interested in supplying oil to India. India is interested in buying that oil.

Alipov said the consequences would extend beyond the countries involved. “The energy markets cannot afford the exclusion of Russian oil,” he told ANI, adding that Russian oil would remain available to India and other countries. India, he said, wants to buy it, while Russia wants to supply it.

New Delhi has also said it will continue to prioritize the needs of its population in the current energy market. Referring to India’s position, Alipov said, “India has shown that it’s able to stand its ground and defend its national interests.”

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India has shown that it’s able to stand its ground and defend its national interests.