The Kremlin addressed international reports on Tuesday concerning India’s future energy imports, stating it has received no formal notification from New Delhi regarding a cessation of Russian oil purchases. This follows an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump claiming a trade deal that includes a commitment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pivot away from Russian energy.
Kremlin spox Peskov does NOT confirm that India refused to buy Russian oil
‘We have not heard any statements from Delhi on this matter yet’
‘We intend to further develop our bilateral relations with Delhi’ pic.twitter.com/bpbWSIloHQ
— RT (@RT_com) February 3, 2026
Diplomatic Stance
In a briefing with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the lack of official communication from Indian counterparts. “So far, we haven’t heard any statements from New Delhi on this matter,” Peskov stated, underscoring the ongoing bilateral relationship between the two nations.
The U.S.-India Trade Context
The developments come after President Trump announced a significant reduction in tariffs on Indian goods, lowering levies to 18 per cent. This move was presented as a reciprocal arrangement following previous “reciprocal” tariffs of 25 per cent, which included additional penalties specifically tied to New Delhi’s continued procurement of Russian crude.
While Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the “wonderful” dialogue with the U.S. President and the subsequent easing of trade barriers, the Indian government has notably refrained from making a public statement regarding a total halt of Russian oil imports.
India will lower tariffs on a wide array of U.S. industrial and agricultural goods to 0%.
President Trump’s historic deal with India delivers unprecedented market access for American farmers and producers.pic.twitter.com/qsTTOwKlIt
— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) February 3, 2026
Energy Market Impact
Russia remains a cornerstone of India’s energy security. In 2024, Moscow supplied nearly 36 per cent of India’s total crude imports, averaging 1.8 million barrels of discounted oil per day. However, recent data from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry indicates that U.S.-imposed tariffs have already impacted the market, with monthly imports from Russia seeing a 38 per cent decline.
Despite Western efforts to isolate the Russian economy due to the conflict in Ukraine, trade between Moscow and New Delhi reached a record $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 period—nearly six times pre-pandemic levels. During a state visit in late 2025, President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to “uninterrupted shipments” of energy resources to the Indian subcontinent.
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As the situation evolves, global energy markets and diplomatic circles remain focused on whether India will shift its long-standing policy of strategic autonomy in favor of the new trade incentives offered by the United States.
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