Russia on Tuesday said it respects the bilateral relationship between the US and India, but it has not received any communication from New Delhi regarding US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
“So far, we haven’t heard any statements from New Delhi on this matter,” AFP quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.
Peskov reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Russia and India.
“We respect bilateral US-Indian relations. But we attach no less importance to the development of an advanced strategic partnership between Russia and India. This is the most important thing for us, and we intend to further develop our bilateral relations with Delhi,” he said.
The Kremlin’s response came hours after US President Trump announced a trade deal with India and reduced the tariffs on Indian goods from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.
Trump also claimed that PM Modi has assured him that India will stop buying Russian oil and purchase more from the US and Venezuela.
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“He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!” he said.
Trump stated that they have agreed to a trade deal between the United States and India, following which the US will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.
The White House separately confirmed that the additional 25 per cent penalty for purchasing Russian oil will also be dropped.
This will reduce the total US tariffs on Indian goods entering the American territory from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.
PM Modi confirmed the development and thanked President Trump for the announcement.
“Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that India and the US working together will benefit the people of the two countries and unlock the “immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.”