Russia Says India Hasn’t Changed Stance on Russian Oil Imports

Moscow has reaffirmed India’s commitment to purchasing Russian oil, despite claims from Washington that New Delhi has agreed to halt such imports. The assertion from Russia’s Foreign Ministry comes amid a complex diplomatic situation following a recent trade deal between the United States and India, and raises questions about the extent of U.S. Influence on India’s energy policy.

Speaking at her weekly briefing on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated, “We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market.” Her comments directly address claims made by Washington that India had committed to ending its reliance on Russian crude oil as part of a broader trade agreement.

The U.S. Claims surfaced after a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which both sides announced a reduction in U.S. Tariffs on Indian goods, from 50% to 18%. Trump subsequently stated that India had agreed to cease procuring crude oil from Russia. However, New Delhi has remained publicly silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the U.S. Assertions.

Zakharova was critical of what she described as attempts by the U.S. To dictate energy policy to independent nations. “There is nothing new in the claims of U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have grabbed the right to dictate to independent nations,” she said. This echoes previous accusations from Moscow that Washington is employing “coercive” measures – including tariffs and sanctions – to discourage countries from trading with Russia.

The Kremlin’s insistence that it has received no indication of a change in India’s policy is further supported by comments from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier this month, on February 4, 2026. Peskov stated that Moscow had “heard nothing from New Delhi” to suggest a halt in oil flows. He emphasized the importance of the “advanced strategic partnership between Russia and India,” signaling Moscow’s intention to continue developing bilateral relations with New Delhi.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also downplayed the potential impact of any shift in Indian demand, stating that Russian energy resources remain highly sought after and that “supply will always find demand.” This suggests Moscow is confident in its ability to redirect oil exports if necessary, though it clearly values the Indian market.

The situation is complicated by India’s stated policy of prioritizing its “national interests” when it comes to energy procurement. This position, reiterated by New Delhi in recent weeks, suggests a pragmatic approach to securing energy supplies, potentially balancing geopolitical considerations with economic realities. India, a rapidly growing economy, is a major consumer of energy and has significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.

Analysts have expressed skepticism that India will completely abandon its purchases of Russian oil, citing the economic benefits of accessing cheaper supplies. A complete cessation of Russian oil imports could put upward pressure on energy prices within India, potentially impacting consumers and businesses. The trade deal with the U.S., which includes the removal of a 25% tariff imposed last August specifically in response to India’s Russian oil purchases, may offer some economic offset, but the long-term implications remain unclear.

The U.S. Has been actively seeking to limit Russia’s revenue streams to weaken its ability to finance the war in Ukraine. Pressuring countries like India to reduce their reliance on Russian energy is a key component of this strategy. However, the current situation highlights the challenges of achieving a unified international front on sanctions and the complexities of navigating competing national interests.

The lack of direct confirmation from India adds another layer of uncertainty. While the U.S. Has presented its claims as a diplomatic achievement, the silence from New Delhi suggests a more nuanced reality. India has made some concessions to the U.S. Regarding the volume or timing of its Russian oil purchases, but has not agreed to a complete halt. Further clarity is expected as an Indian team prepares to visit the U.S. Next week to finalize the legal text for an interim trade pact.

The situation underscores the delicate balancing act India is attempting to maintain between its strategic partnership with Russia and its growing relationship with the United States. As a major player in the global energy market, India’s decisions will have significant implications for both the geopolitical landscape and the future of energy security.