Tariffs Won't Deter Progress in India-US Relations, Says MEA

On US criticism of India buying Russian oil, MEA says country guided by prevailing global circumstances

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

NEW DELHI: India responded with a calm and measured reply to US' criticism of its continued Russian oil purchases. "In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the market and the prevailing global circumstances," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said here on Friday evening.

The US has increased pressure on India to stop buying Russian oil, arguing it amounts to funding Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the purchases "a point of irritation" in comments on Friday morning. Rubio acknowledged India's vast energy needs and that it was purchasing oil and gas from Russia because the sanction-hit country is offering steep lasting strategic relationship with Washington—reiterating that the Ties are based on common democratic values, mutual strategic interests, and a deep pool of people-topeople connections.

Speaking to reporters, Jaiswal highlighted that the India-US relationship has survived global change and geopolitical flux and has come out all the stronger and more resilient.

"This relationship has weathered a few transitions and tests.

We remain committed to the substantive agenda that the two nations have agreed to and are positive the relationship will continue to progress," said Jaiswal.