Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that the recent dip in India’s imports of Russian oil is expected to be short-lived, adding that Moscow plans to increase the volume of supplies to New Delhi in the coming months. He stated that Russia understands the external pressures faced by India, particularly in light of tariffs and policy constraints linked to its continued purchase of Russian crude. According to Peskov, Moscow views India’s approach toward its energy partnerships as a reflection of its sovereign decision-making and its ability to prioritise national interests despite geopolitical complexities.
Peskov’s remarks come just days before Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit is expected to focus on energy cooperation, trade expansion and strategic issues shaping global affairs. The Kremlin has repeatedly emphasised the importance of the long-standing partnership between the two countries, noting that their ties are rooted in decades of trust and mutual respect.
Speaking on the broader scope of the relationship, Peskov said the partnership between India and Russia extends far beyond conventional diplomatic interactions. He described it as a multifaceted bond involving political understanding, defence cooperation, energy engagement and a shared outlook on maintaining stability under international law. He highlighted that both countries have historically taken each other’s interests into account when navigating global challenges, reinforcing the strength of the bilateral framework.
Peskov added that Russia values India’s steady growth and has been a consistent partner throughout various phases of its development. He noted that Moscow appreciates New Delhi’s continued goodwill and stable diplomatic stance, which he said reflects the maturity of a relationship built on long-term engagement rather than transactional considerations. The Kremlin views this continuity as essential for future cooperation, particularly in areas such as energy security, technology exchanges and regional stability.
In his remarks, Peskov also reiterated Russia’s solidarity with India on issues related to combating terrorism. He noted that both nations have suffered significant loss due to extremism and emphasised that the threat requires coordinated global action. Peskov stated that international cooperation remains the only effective path to addressing terrorism, and he affirmed Russia’s support for India’s efforts to counter such threats.
As Moscow prepares for President Putin’s upcoming visit, officials on both sides are expected to discuss a wide range of issues aimed at reinforcing economic and strategic ties. The Kremlin continues to project confidence that India will remain one of the key destinations for Russian oil exports and that the temporary decline in imports will reverse as the two nations deepen their energy partnership.
