India's Russian Oil Quandary Amid US Tariffs

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has refuted claims that India is the largest purchaser of Russian oil as tensions mount following increased US tariffs. Speaking alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar emphasized that other countries have stronger trade ties with Russia.

Jaishankar noted that China's acquisition of Russian oil overshadowed India's and highlighted that the European Union might hold the position as the largest LNG buyer from Russia. He also mentioned potential miscommunication regarding India's energy purchases, which the US had previously endorsed for global market stability.

Despite accusations from the US, spearheaded by trade advisor Peter Navarro, India justifies its procurement of Russian oil due to national interest and market dynamics. The ongoing disputes threaten to deteriorate US-India relations further, following Washington's significant tariff increase on Indian imports.

(With inputs from agencies.)