New Delhi has stood up to Washingtons policies aimed at restricting fair competition, the Russian foreign minister has said

India's decision to go ahead with purchases of oil from Russia is a reflection of the country's "national pride" and "national interest," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.

Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Lavrov said Washington's policies are aimed at restricting fair competition and forcing buyers to comply with its strategic agenda.

Praising New Delhi for not being pressured by Washington, Lavrov said, "This stance reflects national interest and national pride and honor of our Indian friends."

He noted that India has made it clear that any decisions regarding energy purchases would be guided by national interests, adding that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have emphasized the country's sovereignty in deciding whether to buy oil from Russia.

"Our Indian counterparts have already reacted to these urges to stop buying oil from Russia, because they proceed from the assumption that if the United States wants to sell something to India, including oil, India is ready to negotiate and to talk over the conditions, the terms, but as for trade with other countries, it is only for Russia and India to discuss," Lavrov added.

Russia has been India's top oil supplier since 2022, accounting for 40% of the country's crude imports, while the South Asian nation has emerged as a major exporter of refined fuels to Europe.

In August, the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed 25% punitive tariffs on most Indian imports due to the country's continued purchases of Russian oil. Trump's aides have also urged India to stop buying oil from Russia.

Last week, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said India can buy oil from anyoneexcept Russia.

At the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last week, Jaishankar called out the "double standards" in the West's attitude towards the energy, food, and fertilizer requirements of the Global South.

(RT.com)