Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in India, Roman Babushkin, on Wednesday strongly criticised the United States over its latest ‘sanctions’ targeting India, saying such measures amount to blackmail, unlawful competition and a lack of respect for sovereignty. He stressed that if Washington truly considered New Delhi a friend, it would not “behave like that.”
Addressing a press briefing, Babushkin described the US approach as rooted in “double standards” and “economic weaponisation.” He added, “Sanctions are a tool of unlawful competition. It’s always about blackmail, pressure, and disrespect of national interests. Friends don’t behave like that.”
The Russian envoy underlined that neither Moscow nor BRICS nations impose unilateral sanctions, calling non-UN sanctions and secondary restrictions “illegal.” Despite heavy international pressure, he noted that Russia’s economy continues to grow, proving that sanctions not only fail but often hurt the countries that impose them.
Deputy Trade Representative of Russia in India, Evgeny Griva, also weighed in, asserting that Russian crude oil supplies—currently meeting about 40 per cent of India’s needs—remain indispensable for the Indian economy. “It’s a crucial share, and the situation practically couldn’t be changed,” he said, dismissing concerns about the US move to levy an additional 25 per cent tariff if India maintains oil imports from Russia.
Reaffirming the strength of bilateral ties, Babushkin said, “Russia is India’s biggest crude supplier, and India’s demand is rising year by year. This is a perfect case of complementarity between our economies. Despite external pressures, we have always found ways to cooperate in line with our national interests. We are certain that our cooperation will continue.”
The remarks come against the backdrop of growing US economic pressure on India, including fresh tariff threats, aimed at curbing New Delhi’s energy partnership with Moscow.
