New Delhi, April 1
Denis Alipov, Russia's Ambassador to India, has said that Russia firmly rejects what he described as US "pressure" in international politics, particularly concerning India's oil market, while emphasising that New Delhi continues to pursue an independent foreign policy.
In an interview with IANS, Alipov stated that attempts by the United States to create hurdles for Russia in the Indian market are not an appropriate way to conduct global business or manage international relations.
When asked about US claims that India may be reducing imports of Russian oil amid tariff-related tensions, the envoy said, "I am not in a position to comment on US-India trade. However, we firmly reject any pressure in international politics. This is not the right way to conduct business."
"We observe clear attempts by the US to create obstacles for Russia in the Indian market... This is not the proper way to manage international relations or to do business. We reject US pressure on the Indian oil market. India follows an independent foreign policy... We welcome India's rejection of such kind of pressure," he further remarked.
Alipov also highlighted that ties between Moscow and New Delhi are strengthening, particularly in the energy sector, noting that India has "significantly increased" its imports of Russian oil in recent times.
"We do the trade, the bilateral trade, and we expand the economic relations. As we see, recently, the volumes of Russian supplies of oil to India have substantially increased... We have always been consistent and ready to expand with India on this track for the benefit of both parties," he said.
Referring to broader geopolitical developments, he added, "But against the backdrop of the current developments in the Middle East, probably more speak about the oil disruption diplomacy of the US that has resulted in such extreme volatility in the energy markets. So speaking about Russia and India, we are on the upswing track bilaterally in trade, including oil. We are determined to continue this."
On the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Russia, the envoy said Moscow would warmly welcome such a trip.
"We would certainly wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister of India with a visit to Russia this year. You may know we have an annual mechanism of annual exchange of summits. Last year in December, the President made a visit to India," he added.
- IANS
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