India and Russia have agreed to strengthen trade ties, even as the U.S. pressures New Delhi over its imports of Russian oil. The decision was made during a meeting in Moscow between Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, saying India’s oil trade is helping Russia fund its war in Ukraine. India, however, calls its purchases purely commercial and accuses the West of double standards, pointing out that the U.S. and EU still trade with Russia.
Lavrov praised energy cooperation, noting joint oil projects in Russia’s Far East and Arctic. Jaishankar said India–Russia relations have remained steady for decades, and both sides agreed to boost Indian exports such as pharmaceuticals, farm products, and textiles.
After Western sanctions, Russia shifted much of its oil sales to India and China, now its biggest buyers. Russian officials said supplies to India will continue and expressed hope for future talks involving India, Russia, and China.
