Russia Slams US Tariffs, Calls India A Friend Who 'Matters Very Much’

Russia on Wednesday (20 August) reaffirmed its close ties with India while denouncing the tariff measures announced by US President Donald Trump on Indian imports over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, the Hindustan Times reported.

At a press conference in New Delhi, Roman Babushkin, deputy chief of mission at the Russian Embassy, called the US move “unjustified and unilateral” and underscored Moscow’s support for India.

“India matters very much,” he said, stressing that Washington’s pressure tactics would not weaken bilateral relations.

Responding to a query on whether India could be forced to halt its oil imports from Russia, Babushkin dismissed the possibility.

“We don't expect that to happen,” he stated, reiterating that energy cooperation between the two countries was mutually beneficial.

He further accused the US of exploiting its economic leverage to advance geopolitical aims.

“The US has weaponised economy,” Babushkin said, contrasting Washington’s approach with Moscow’s.

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The remarks come as Trump’s tariff threats heighten concerns of trade friction between Washington and New Delhi, at a time when India’s energy security depends significantly on discounted Russian crude.

Highlighting the depth of India-Russia engagement, Babushkin pointed to two recent phone calls between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

He said such exchanges reflected the high level of trust and cooperation between the two leaders.

Despite US attempts to isolate Russian energy exports, New Delhi and Moscow remain intent on expanding their partnership.

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