'Ties with Russia time-tested': India brushes off Trump's penalty threat on energy imports

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday rejected suggestions of any strain in India-Russia relations following sharp attacks from US President Donald Trump, who questioned the economic and strategic ties between the two countries.

Responding to questions at the weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership.”



The MEA’s response came a day after Trump criticised both countries on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump posted. “We have done very little business with India — their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together.”

Jaiswal, when asked about Trump’s broader comments, reiterated the importance of the India-US partnership: “India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward.”

Also Read: Donald Trump's 25% tariff: India expects minimal impact; indicates agriculture, dairy, GM food no-go areas in trade deal talks

Asked about defence cooperation, Jaiswal added: “The sourcing of our defence requirements is determined solely by our national security imperatives and strategic assessments.”

He declined to comment on Trump’s suggestion that India might one day purchase oil from Pakistan, saying, “I have no comments to offer in this matter.”

India examining sanctions and oil trade
On questions related to sanctions imposed by the US on Indian companies trading with Iran, Jaiswal said, “We have taken note of the sanctions, we are looking into it.”

He also addressed reports suggesting Indian oil firms had stopped sourcing Russian oil: “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.”

Russia has remained India’s top oil supplier in recent months, accounting for nearly 35–40 per cent of its imports—up from just 0.2 per cent before the Ukraine war.

On Thursday, Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament that the government is closely examining the developments and will safeguard national interest.

“Government gives utmost priority to the safeguarding of welfare of farmers, labourers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, exporters, MSMEs and stakeholders of the industrial sector,” Goyal said. “We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our national interest.”