In a major diplomatic push, Russia has welcomed Indian goods to its market, amid simmering bilateral tensions between New Delhi and Washington, media reports said.
A senior Russian diplomat on Wednesday said if India finds it difficult to enter the US market, Russia will welcome Indian exports to its backyard.
“.. If Indian goods are facing difficulties entering the US market, the Russian market is welcoming Indian exports….,” Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said, as quoted by NDTV.
Babushkin called the US sanctions on India for purchasing Russian oil “unjustified” and hoped that India-Russia ties will withstand the “external pressure”.
The diplomat added, as quoted by the broadcaster, “It is unjustified. We are confident that India-Russia energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding the external pressure.”
“The sanctions are hitting those who are imposing them. It is a challenging situation for India but we have trust in our ties.”
The remark came after the White House on Tuesday said US President Donald Trump sanctioned India to put pressure on Russia and end the Moscow-Kyiv war.
Speaking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “Look, the president has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He’s taken actions, as you’ve seen, sanctions on India and other actions as well.”
“He’s made himself very clear that he wants to see this war end, and he has scoffed at the ideas of others that have been raised that we should wait another month before any meeting takes place.”
US imposes extra 25 percent tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil
The Trump administration, which was earlier viewed as India-friendly, has slapped a 25 percent tariff on the South Asian country for its high tariffs on American exports and another 25 percent for purchasing oil from Russia, which is fighting a war against Ukraine.
The White House, which has singled out India over Russian oil purchase, said the second 25 percent tariff will be effective from August 27, 2025.
India calls Trump’s 25 pct additional tariffs ‘unfair, unjustified’
In a calm but strongly worded statement, New Delhi said the extra tariff was “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable” and declared that it would “take all actions necessary to protect national interests”.
Within hours, the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said the United States “has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia”.
