New Delhi. Amidst the ever-increasing American and Western pressure on India regarding the purchase of Russian crude oil, Russia has given a strong message in support of New Delhi. Ambassador of Russia to India Denis Alipov (Denis Alipov) has said that India buys oil from Russia not to help any country, but to meet the needs of its economy and people.
In an interview given to a TV channel, Alipov rejected the criticism from Western countries that India's purchase of Russian oil is being presented as support for Moscow. He said that India's priority is its national development and the welfare of its people.
'India knows how to protect its interests'
The Russian ambassador said India has shown in the past that it can give priority to its national interests despite external pressure. He said that India has the ability to take its own decisions and protect its interests.
Alipov also questioned the sanctions and tariff policies of Western countries. He said that if any country has to be stopped from buying oil from Russia, then that country should also be given a better option. According to him, due to India not being able to provide oil from Russia at better prices and terms, the strategy of creating pressure is being adopted.
He said that Russia is ready to provide crude oil to India as per its needs.
Why is America putting pressure on India?
US pressure on India's purchase of Russian oil has increased continuously since the Ukraine war. After the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, India had increased the purchase of Russian crude oil. Russian oil became available at relatively low prices due to Western sanctions, making it an important energy import option for India.
Now the US is exploring options to put additional economic pressure on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. A bill proposed in the US Senate on imports of crude oil or natural gas from Russia by the five largest buyer countries. Tariff up to 100 percent It is proposed to allow installation. India is one of the major oil buyers of Russia, hence any such step can have a direct impact on India.
India has already made its stand clear
India has consistently maintained that its energy purchasing decisions are based on national interest and domestic needs. It is important for India to provide affordable and reliable energy to its large population.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar India has also made clear its stand on the issue of Russian oil purchase. During his visit to Ukraine, he had said that whether India buys oil from Russia or not will not decide the outcome of the Ukraine war. According to him, the solution to the war will come only through dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation.
45 percent crude oil came from Russia in August
The figures of India's dependence on Russian oil also clear the picture. Russia remained the largest supplier of crude oil to India in August. During this period India came closer to Russia 20.8 lakh barrels per day Bought crude oil.
Although this figure is closer to July 28.2 lakh barrels per day almost from the record level of 26.3 percent less Was. Despite this, Russian oil accounted for almost half of India's total crude oil imports in August. 45 percent Remained.
That means, despite the decline in purchases, Russia remains the largest oil supplier to India. In such a situation, amidst increasing pressure of tariffs and sanctions from America, Moscow's latest statement is considered very important regarding India-Russia energy relations.
Russia's message is clear – India will take its own decisions
The direct message of Denis Alipov's statement is that India's Russian oil purchases should not be viewed through the prism of helping Moscow. Russia says that New Delhi is taking decisions keeping in mind its energy security, economic needs and interests of domestic consumers.
Now all eyes are on how India scales up its Russian oil purchases amid proposed additional US tariffs and Western pressure, and what shape the future of energy trade between the two countries takes.