Moscow, 16 October 2025 – Russia expressed confidence that its oil partnership with India will continue, countering US President Donald Trump’s assertion that New Delhi promised to halt purchases from Moscow. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak made the statement at the Russian Energy Week forum, highlighting economic benefits amid global tensions.
The story underscores South Asia’s reliance on stable energy supplies. India, a major importer, balances affordable Russian oil with diversification efforts to ensure regional economic growth and energy security.
Russia India Energy Ties Remain Strong for Oil Partnership
Russia remains India’s top crude oil supplier. Official data show Russian exports to India hit USD 60.9 billion in the latest reported period, up 79.1% year-on-year. Crude oil forms a bulk of this, with India importing over 40% of its needs from Russia in recent months.
Novak stated: “We continue our interaction with our friendly partners. Our energy resource is in demand. It is economically advantageous and expedient. And I am confident that our partners will continue to work with us, interact and develop energy cooperation.”
He added: “No one can tell them what to do, and they will choose their own path.”
This comes after Trump claimed on 15 October 2025 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil soon. Trump linked this to potential US tariffs on Indian goods if purchases continued.
Novak India Oil Exports Stable Despite External Pressure
Novak emphasised the stability of exports. “Our energy resource is in demand, it is economically viable, and I am confident that our partners will continue to work with us,” he told reporters. Russian officials view the partnership as mutually beneficial. India saves billions through discounted Russian crude, while Moscow secures a key market post-Western sanctions.
Data from Trading Economics indicate India imported USD 52.73 billion in Russian crude in 2024, a trend likely continuing into 2025. [VERIFY: Exact 2025 Q3 import volumes from Indian Ministry of Petroleum.]
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded on 16 October 2025. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “I am not aware of any conversation yesterday between the two leaders.” The MEA stressed: “It has been India’s consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions.”
The statement noted interest in deepening US energy ties but affirmed no commitment to cease Russian imports.
Impact on South Asian Energy Dynamics
South Asia benefits from Russia India energy ties. Affordable oil supports India’s growth, influencing neighbours like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through refined product exports. Trump’s remarks tie into US efforts to curb Russian revenues funding its Ukraine conflict. He proposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods if Russia India energy ties persist.
Yet Novak dismissed such pressures. “We only see signals in the press today about what our partners are saying, that no one can dictate to them,” he said. Experts note India’s strategic autonomy. Diversification includes US crude, at 6% of imports, but Russian volumes dominate due to price advantages.
Background
Russia-India ties date back decades. Post-2022 Ukraine crisis, Russian oil exports to India surged from under 1% to over 40% of imports.
Key projects include Kudankulam nuclear plant, where two units generate power, and four more under construction. Bilateral trade targets USD 100 billion by 2030, with energy central.
What’s Next
Analysts predict steady flows. India may increase US imports to balance trade but maintain Russian supplies for cost savings.
Novak hinted at expanded cooperation, including LNG and joint ventures. Russia remains optimistic. As Novak put it, partners like India prioritise national interests. The Russia confident India oil partnership continue signals resilience against geopolitical shifts.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 17th, 2025
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