Russia Offers India Oil Discount in Response to US Pressure

As part of strengthening the partnership, Russia is offering India a 5% discount on oil purchases. Officials have characterized this measure as standard, while leaving room for further negotiations.

Russian representatives, Deputy Ambassador Roman Babushkin and Deputy Trade Representative Evgeniy Griva, emphasized that US sanctions and tariffs are "unjustified" and "unilateral." They stated that such restrictive measures ultimately harm their initiators and confirmed that Russia will not impose any counter-sanctions against India. Moscow has also suggested that New Delhi increase exports to Russia should access to the American market become difficult, describing the bilateral partnership as strategically important and complementary.

India has rejected US criticism, calling the new tariffs "unreasonable," and insists that its energy purchases are dictated by national interests and the need to secure access to affordable resources. Russian officials noted that BRICS countries, including India and Russia, oppose sanctions not authorized by the UN and view Western actions as an attempt to turn the global economy into a tool of political pressure.

Thus, the 5% oil discount serves as both a strategic move and a symbolic gesture aimed at strengthening the alliance with India amidst growing US pressure. Russia intends not only to maintain current volumes of oil trade but also to expand economic cooperation with New Delhi, disregarding Western sanctions and criticism.