A file picture of Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of Russia’s Overseas Ministry.
| Picture Credit score: Reuters
Russia’s Overseas Ministry on Wednesday (February 18, 2026) stated it has “no motive” to imagine that India has modified its place on shopping for Russian oil, which it stated is useful for each international locations and maintains stability within the world hydrocarbons market.
The remarks got here within the backdrop of Washington’s declare that New Delhi has agreed to cease importing Russian crude oil.
“Now we have no motive to imagine that India has modified its place on shopping for Russian hydrocarbons. India’s buy of Russian hydrocarbons advantages each international locations and helps preserve stability within the worldwide vitality market,” Overseas Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated in her weekly briefing.
“There’s nothing new within the claims of U.S. President Donald Trump, in addition to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who’ve grabbed the proper to dictate to unbiased nations,” Ms. Zakharova stated.
Following a current cellphone dialog between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump, each side introduced a discount of the U.S. tariffs on Indian items to 18% from 50%.
The discount included the removing of a 25% tariff that Mr. Trump had slapped on India in August final yr for New Delhi’s buy of Russian oil.
Final week, Mr. Rubio stated that India has dedicated to cease shopping for Russian oil, days after New Delhi reiterated that “nationwide pursuits” would be the “guiding issue” for India’s vitality procurement.
Whereas asserting the commerce take care of New Delhi early in February, Trump had additionally claimed India had agreed to not procure crude oil from Russia.
India has not but confirmed or denied Washington’s declare that it has dedicated to stopping the procurement of Russian crude oil.
Earlier too, Russia had accused the U.S. of making an attempt to stop India and different international locations from shopping for Russian oil, saying Washington was utilizing a variety of “coercive” measures, together with tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.
In her strongly worded assertion, Ms. Zakharova additionally criticised the European allies of the Ukrainian regime, saying that they don’t want a peace answer.
Revealed – February 19, 2026 05:02 am IST
