Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining crude oil supplies to India at a discounted rate, even as the United States tightens sanctions and raises tariffs on New Delhi over energy trade with Moscow.

Deputy Trade Representative of Russia to India, Evgeniy Griva, said on Wednesday that India will continue to receive Russian crude at a concession. “There will be a 5 per cent discount, subject to negotiation, on Russian oil purchases,” he noted, adding that import volumes would remain steady despite political headwinds. “It usually fluctuates, but the discount is approximately plus-minus 5 per cent,” he clarified.

Joining him, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin underscored the resilience of bilateral energy ties. Calling the situation “challenging” for India, he stressed, “We have trust in our ties and are confident that energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding external pressure.”

The US has accused India of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by importing oil and re-exporting refined products. Washington has already imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports, a move that could severely impact sectors like textiles, marine products and leather. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro charged that India was acting as a “global clearinghouse” for Russian oil, enabling Moscow to access much-needed dollars.

India has rejected the accusation, calling the US tariffs “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that New Delhi will not bow to economic coercion.

US President Donald Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, defended the tariffs, saying they were meant to exert secondary pressure on Moscow. “The president has been clear — he wants this war to end and is using sanctions on India and others to accelerate that outcome,” she said.

China and India remain the two largest buyers of Russian crude.

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining crude oil supplies to India at a discounted rate, even as the United States tightens sanctions and raises tariffs on New Delhi over energy trade with Moscow.

Deputy Trade Representative of Russia to India, Evgeniy Griva, said on Wednesday that India will continue to receive Russian crude at a concession. “There will be a 5 per cent discount, subject to negotiation, on Russian oil purchases,” he noted, adding that import volumes would remain steady despite political headwinds. “It usually fluctuates, but the discount is approximately plus-minus 5 per cent,” he clarified.

Joining him, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin underscored the resilience of bilateral energy ties. Calling the situation “challenging” for India, he stressed, “We have trust in our ties and are confident that energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding external pressure.”

The US has accused India of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by importing oil and re-exporting refined products. Washington has already imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports, a move that could severely impact sectors like textiles, marine products and leather. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro charged that India was acting as a “global clearinghouse” for Russian oil, enabling Moscow to access much-needed dollars.

India has rejected the accusation, calling the US tariffs “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that New Delhi will not bow to economic coercion.

US President Donald Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, defended the tariffs, saying they were meant to exert secondary pressure on Moscow. “The president has been clear — he wants this war to end and is using sanctions on India and others to accelerate that outcome,” she said.

China and India remain the two largest buyers of Russian crude.