India wont be pressured by US into reducing Russian oil imports, says envoy

India will continue to buy oil from wherever it "gets the best deal" in order to protect the interests of its 1.4 billion people, the countrys ambassador to Russia has said.

Vinay Kumars statement comes days before US President Donald Trumps 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil and weapons, are set to kick in.

On Sunday, US Vice-President JD Vance said that Trump had announced secondary tariffs on India to apply "aggressive economic leverage" on Russia and force it to stop the war in Ukraine.

Delhis increased imports of cheap Russian crude since the war began has strained its ties with the US and impacted negotiations on a trade deal.

Russian crude made up 35-40% of Indias oil imports in 2024, up from 3% in 2021.

The US has alleged that Indias purchase of Russian oil is helping fund the war in Ukraine, a charge Delhi denies.

On Sunday, Kumar told Russias TASS news agency that Indias trade was based on market factors and that its priority remains energy security for its population. He also reiterated Indias stand that Trumps decision to impose secondary tariffs was "unfair, unreasonable and unjustified".

Kumars statement came hours after Indias Foreign Minister S Jaishankar robustly defended Indias purchase of Russian crude.

"Its funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business," he said on Saturday, pointing out that the US has not imposed secondary tariffs on China - the largest importer of Russian oil - or the European Union, which still conducts a huge amount of trade with Russia.

He said that India maintained strategic autonomy in its decision-making, signalling that it would not be pressured by the US into reducing oil imports from Russia.

India maintains friendly relations with Ukraine, while Russia is one of its most important allies.

Delhi has repeatedly called for a "peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy" to the Russia-Ukraine war, but has avoided public condemnation of Russia despite pressure from the West.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Ukraine in 2024, and India has expressed its willingness to "contribute in all possible ways to facilitate an early restoration of peace".

On Sunday, Ukraines ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk told local media that President Volodymr Zelensky may visit India soon, though the dates havent been confirmed yet.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit India sometime this year.

On Sunday, Vance expressed confidence in Trumps efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

"He (Trump) tried to make it clear that Russia can be re-invited into the world economy if they stop the killing. But they are going to continue to be isolated if they dont stop the killing," he said.

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