A file picture of Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of Russia’s Overseas Ministry. | Picture Credit score: Reuters
Russia’s Overseas Ministry on Wednesday (February 18, 2026) mentioned it has “no purpose” to consider that India has modified its place on shopping for Russian oil, which it mentioned is useful for each international locations and maintains stability within the international hydrocarbons market.
The remarks got here within the backdrop of Washington’s declare that New Delhi has agreed to cease importing Russian crude oil.
“We have now no purpose to consider that India has modified its place on shopping for Russian hydrocarbons. India’s buy of Russian hydrocarbons advantages each international locations and helps keep stability within the worldwide power market,” Overseas Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova mentioned in her weekly briefing.
“There may be nothing new within the claims of US President Donald Trump, in addition to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who’ve grabbed the appropriate to dictate to unbiased nations,” Ms. Zakharova mentioned.
Following a latest telephone dialog between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump, either side introduced a discount of the US tariffs on Indian items to 18% from 50%.
The discount included the removing of a 25% tariff that Mr. Trump had slapped India in August final yr for New Delhi’s buy of Russian oil.
Final week, Mr. Rubio mentioned that India has dedicated to cease shopping for Russian oil, days after New Delhi reiterated that “nationwide pursuits” would be the “guiding issue” for India’s power procurement.
Whereas saying the commerce cope with New Delhi early in February, Trump had additionally claimed India had agreed to not procure crude oil from Russia.
India has not but confirmed or denied Washington’s declare that it has dedicated to stopping the procurement of Russian crude oil.
Earlier too, Russia had accused the US of trying to forestall India and different international locations from shopping for Russian oil, saying Washington was utilizing a variety of “coercive” measures, together with tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.
In her strongly worded assertion, Ms. Zakharova additionally criticized the European allies of the Ukrainian regime, saying that they are not looking for a peace answer.
Revealed – February 19, 2026 05:02 am IST