By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday asserted that New Delhi and Moscow have a steady and time-tested partnership, and it should not be seen from the prism of a third country after growing criticism from the US, India on 25% tariff imposed by the US
Jaiswal was addressing his weekly media briefing, said, “Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership.”
Jaiswal’s remarks came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India’s continued purchase of Russian oil remains a “point of irritation” in its relationship with the United States, even as both countries maintain strategic ties.
India has continued to purchase Russian oil despite Moscow’s war with Kyiv which began in 2022.
Rubio’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff and an additional penalty on Indian imports, citing India’s trade ties with Russia and high trade barriers.
Some Indian oil companies have stopped taking oil from Russia, according to media reports.
MEA spokesperson said, “You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements, that we look at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation. We are not aware of any specifics.”
