Russia accuses U.S. of meddling in its India ties with oil sanctions

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Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has sharply criticised the United States, alleging that Washington is attempting to influence Russia’s strategic relations with India through punitive oil sanctions and economic pressure. Lavrov’s comments, made in an interview with TV BRICS, underscore deepening tensions between Moscow and Washington over global energy markets and geopolitical alliances.

Lavrov claimed that U.S. sanctions and restrictions are designed not only to constrain Russia’s oil exports but also to deter countries like India from buying Russian crude. He said the United States wants to channel energy trade toward its own liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, which he described as a move to dominate global energy markets at Moscow’s expense.

The Russian foreign minister specifically accused Washington of using coercive measures, including sanctions, tariffs and even maritime restrictions on oil tankers, to disrupt energy cooperation between Russia and its partners. According to Lavrov, these tactics are intended to break longstanding commercial links rather than resolve broader geopolitical disputes.

India, one of Russia’s largest oil customers, has repeatedly emphasised that its energy procurement choices are guided by national strategic interests, such as price, reliability and supply security, rather than external political pressure. New Delhi has declined to bow over its oil trade, focusing instead on maintaining stable supplies for its rapidly growing economy.

Russia’s criticism reflects a broader struggle over influence in Asia, where the United States has sought to strengthen ties with India as part of a wider geopolitical strategy. Moscow, for its part, has consistently defended its energy and defence partnerships with New Delhi as sovereign decisions rooted in mutual benefit.

Despite Lavrov’s harsh rhetoric, India continues to balance its relations with both powers, underscoring the complexity of modern geopolitics. New Delhi’s energy diversification efforts illustrate its intent to safeguard national interests while navigating competing global influences.