Russia has indicated it sees no sign that India plans to end oil imports from Moscow, days after US President Donald Trump claimed such a move was part of the newly finalised India-US trade agreement.
Trump announced the deal on February 2, confirming that reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports would be reduced to 18% following months of negotiations. He also asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt energy trade with Russia. While New Delhi acknowledged the tariff cuts, it has not commented on the claim regarding oil purchases.
Russia&rsquo;s foreign ministry responded by expressing confidence in the continuity of energy cooperation with India. Moscow maintained that resource trade benefits both nations and plays a stabilising role in global energy markets, signalling readiness to continue close collaboration.
At the same time, the Kremlin adopted a pragmatic tone, noting that India has always sourced oil from multiple countries and remains free to choose its suppliers. Officials added that they have received no formal communication from India suggesting a shift away from Russian crude.
India&rsquo;s imports of discounted Russian oil have previously been a point of friction with Washington. Last year, the US raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, partly citing the ongoing energy trade between New Delhi and Moscow.
Trump has argued that reducing India&rsquo;s reliance on Russian energy could help pressure Moscow amid the Ukraine war. The latest trade pact, however, has rolled back tariffs and removed additional penalties, signalling a reset in economic ties between India and the US.
With India yet to clarify its position on the oil issue, the situation underscores the delicate balance New Delhi maintains between strategic autonomy and deepening partnerships with Western economies.
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Moscow signals confidence in energy ties after Trump’s claim on deal

Russia doubts India will halt oil trade with US

Moscow signals confidence in energy ties after Trump’s claim on deal

February 5, 2026 | 11:17 IST