Russia and India Respond to US Claims on Indian Oil Sourcing Amid Trade Deal

Following US President Donald Trump's claim that India agreed to stop buying Russian oil as part of a new India-US trade deal, Russia has clarified that India is free to source oil from any country and that diversifying suppliers is a longstanding practice. Kremlin officials and Russia's Foreign Ministry emphasized no official communication from India indicates a halt in Russian oil imports. India’s government highlighted energy security for its 1.4 billion people as the priority, with diversification aligned to market conditions. Experts note challenges in fully replacing Russian crude due to differences in oil grades and volumes. While US tariffs on Indian goods will reduce under the deal, India has not confirmed any commitment to cease Russian oil purchases, maintaining strategic energy ties with Russia and openness to other suppliers including Venezuela.