India Buys Russian Oil for Itself, Not to Help Moscow: Russian Envoy

India’s decision to buy Russian crude is driven by its own energy needs and national interest, not to help Russia finance the war in Ukraine, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov has said.

Speaking to DD News, Alipov said India purchases Russian oil to support its own development and the welfare of its people.

His remarks come amid growing Western pressure on countries that continue to import Russian oil. The US has also been considering tougher measures, including possible tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.

Responding to such pressure, Alipov said countries should offer India a better deal instead of using sanctions and tariffs.

“Who prevents those countries from offering a better deal to India in oil than us?” he said, arguing that Russia’s competitive pricing is a key reason for India’s continued purchases.