India and Russia have agreed to strengthen trade ties despite mounting U.S. pressure, as their foreign ministers met in Moscow on Thursday. The talks come after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s growing imports of Russian oil.
Western nations have criticized India’s oil purchases from Moscow, claiming they help fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, India insists its imports are based on commercial needs and has accused the U.S. and European Union of double standards, pointing out that both continue significant trade with Russia itself.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised the progress in energy cooperation, highlighting Russia’s strong oil supply to the Indian market. He said both nations are interested in new joint projects, including resource extraction in Russia’s Far East and Arctic shelf.
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Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reaffirmed the historic friendship between the two countries, stressing that India-Russia relations have been among the “steadiest in the world” since World War II. He emphasized that expanding bilateral trade requires addressing non-tariff barriers and easing regulations. Sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles were identified as key areas where Indian exports to Russia could grow and balance trade.
After Western sanctions, Russia diverted much of its oil supply from Europe to Asian buyers, with India and China emerging as its largest customers. Despite U.S. warnings, Russian embassy officials in New Delhi said Moscow will continue supplying oil to India and is hopeful about trilateral talks involving India, Russia, and China in the near future.
This renewed commitment signals that India and Russia are determined to deepen economic cooperation even as global geopolitical tensions rise.
