Trump’s claim flies in the face! Russia said- India will not stop the purchase of oil, it is a ‘beneficial deal’ for both the countries:

Moscow/New Delhi. Now Russia has broken its silence on the claims made by America regarding oil trade between India and Russia and has given a befitting reply. Russia’s Foreign Ministry bluntly said on Wednesday (February 18) that it has no reason to believe that India has changed its stance on the purchase of Russian crude oil. Moscow clarified that India’s purchase of hydrocarbons from Russia is not only beneficial for both countries, but is also essential for maintaining stability in the global energy market. This statement of Russia comes amidst the claims of US President Donald Trump and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, in which they said that India has agreed not to buy Russian oil.

Maria Zakharova rejected America’s claims

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in her weekly press conference, rejected America’s statements outright. He said that there is nothing new and no truth in the claims that Donald Trump and Marco Rubio are making. “We have no reason to believe that India has changed its policy on the issue of buying hydrocarbons from Russia. This partnership is in the interests of both countries and helps balance the international market,” Zakharova said. This statement from Russia shows that Moscow has full confidence in its energy relations with New Delhi.

Trump’s ‘tariff card’ and oil game

This whole controversy started when recently there was a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. After this talk, Trump announced that America would reduce the tariff imposed on Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent. Trump claimed that in return for this tariff reduction, India has agreed not to buy crude oil from Russia. It is noteworthy that in August last year, Trump had imposed an additional 25 percent tariff due to India buying Russian oil. Now the Trump administration is presenting this as its diplomatic victory, but Russia has challenged this narrative.

India’s policy of ‘silence’ and national interest

Interestingly, the Indian government has neither officially confirmed nor denied this claim made by Washington yet. However, India’s stand has always been clear. India has already said on several forums that ‘national interest’ will be the only guiding factor behind its energy purchases. India has been taking independent decisions for its energy security and to provide oil to the public at affordable rates. At the same time, Russia has accused America that Washington is trying to stop India and other countries from buying Russian oil by adopting coercive tactics like tariffs, sanctions and threats.