‘Only Trump claimed India would halt Russian oil imports’: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Addressing lawmakers in the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, Lavrov responded to a question regarding Trump’s recent remarks. “You mentioned that Donald Trump announced India's agreement to no longer purchase Russian oil. I have not heard such a statement from anyone else, including Prime Minister Modi and other Indian leaders,” he said.

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His comments come amid heightened tensions after Moscow earlier accused Washington of trying to curb India’s oil imports through what it described as “coercive” tools such as tariffs, sanctions and outright restrictions.

Lavrov also referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks at the first meeting of BRICS sherpas in New Delhi, where energy security was identified as a key agenda item for the upcoming BRICS summit. The summit, to be held under India’s chairmanship, is expected to be attended by President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking during the Government Hour session in the Duma, where cabinet ministers report on their ministries’ work, Lavrov highlighted the strength of bilateral ties. “In particular, a substantial package of joint documents was signed during President Putin's state visit to India last December. This visit enriched Russian-Indian relations, creating a special, privileged strategic partnership,” Lavrov underscored.

He added that another meeting between the two leaders is likely on the sidelines of the BRICS summit later this year. According to Lavrov, Moscow is prepared to deepen ties with New Delhi to whatever extent India wishes, saying the scope of cooperation has virtually no limits.

India assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026. The bloc now comprises 10 members, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with five recently inducted countries.

Earlier this week, in an interview with TV BRICS, Lavrov criticised Washington for what he termed “unfair methods” aimed at constraining competitors. “(The US) is attempting to control our trade, investment cooperation, and military-technical ties with major strategic partners, such as India and other BRICS members,” he said.

Trump, while announcing a trade arrangement with India last week, claimed that New Delhi had agreed to stop procuring crude oil from Russia. He subsequently signed an executive order withdrawing an additional 25 per cent tariff on India that had been imposed in August over its purchases of Russian crude.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday that India would continue to source crude oil from a variety of suppliers to safeguard supply stability, stressing that national interest would remain the guiding principle behind procurement decisions.