No reason to believe change in India's stance on Russian oil: Russian Foreign Ministry
The Hindu
Russia's Foreign Ministry asserts India hasn't changed its stance on Russian oil imports, despite U.S. claims to the contrary.
Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday (February 18, 2026) said it has "no reason" to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian oil, which it said is beneficial for both countries and maintains stability in the global hydrocarbons market.
The remarks came in the backdrop of Washington's claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil.
“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,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in her weekly briefing.
“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,” Ms. Zakharova said.
Following a recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump, both sides announced a reduction of the U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%.
The reduction included the removal of a 25% tariff that Mr. Trump had slapped on India in August last year for New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil.
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