Russia’s foreign ministry has said it has no indication that India has changed its position on buying Russian oil, stressing that the energy trade continues to be mutually beneficial and plays a role in maintaining stability in global energy markets.
In a statement, the ministry said India’s purchases of Russian crude benefit both countries and contribute to international energy security. It added that Moscow sees no shift in New Delhi’s approach to sourcing oil from Russia.
The comments come amid repeated claims by US officials that India has agreed to stop importing Russian oil. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that New Delhi had committed to ending purchases from Russia and would instead increase crude imports from the United States.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Leavitt said the understanding followed a direct phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She described the move as part of Washington’s broader effort to advance US economic interests and reduce India’s reliance on Russian energy, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
However, India has not issued any official statement confirming that it has agreed to halt Russian oil imports. Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also said Moscow had received no formal communication from India on stopping oil purchases and reaffirmed Russia’s intent to continue strengthening its strategic partnership with New Delhi.
Meanwhile, India’s imports of Russian oil declined in January, extending a dip that began in December, as refiners explored alternative supplies, Reuters reported, citing industry sources.
According to two refining sources quoted by Reuters, Indian refiners have not been instructed by the government to stop buying Russian oil. They added that any such move would require a transition period to wind down shipments already in progress, even after the trade discussions with Washington.