Moscow: In a significant meeting, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin and Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defence cooperation between India and Russia. The discussions, held in a traditionally warm and friendly atmosphere, focused on enhancing their privileged strategic partnership, as confirmed by the Russian Defence Ministry.

Amid growing tensions with the US, Russia reiterated its stance on sovereign nations’ rights to choose their trade partners. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that countries should independently determine their economic collaborations based on national interests. This statement came in response to US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose higher tariffs on Indian imports due to India’s continued oil purchases from Russia.

India swiftly countered the US move, calling it “unjustified and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs defended India’s energy imports from Russia, citing market dynamics and global supply shifts caused by the Ukraine conflict. The ministry also highlighted that the US itself continues to trade with Russia in various sectors, including nuclear materials and fertilizers.

India has consistently maintained its sovereign right to shape its energy policy in line with national interests. The government pledged to take all necessary steps to protect its economic security, reinforcing its stance amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.