India to double the oil purchase from Russia disregarding US pressure -

New Delhi/Moscow: While the United States is issuing warnings and threats, India has decided to increase fuel purchases from Russia. At the same time, reports are being received that India is also considering purchasing coal from Russia. The Russian Foreign Minister has praised India for safeguarding the national interest, disregarding the US pressure. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov retorted that only a few countries could exhibit self-esteem in this manner.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin had warned that fuel purchase from Russia is not in the Indian interest. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also had warned India in exact words over the fuel transactions with Russia. Whereas, US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh had issued a direct threat that the transactions with Russia would have dire consequences. But Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had pointed out the dual-faced nature of the US policies saying that fuel purchased by Europe from Russia in a month is more than Indian annual purchase.

Furthermore, Jaishankar also pointed out that Indian fuel purchase does not violate international laws. The United States has still not withdrawn the objections over the Indian fuel purchase from Russia. In this scenario, India plans to double the fuel purchased from Russia. Reports had been received that Indian oil sector companies are in negotiations with the Russian companies. At the same time, claims are being made that India will also be purchasing coal from Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister praised India, believing that India is not changing its policies despite pressures from a superpower like the United States. Foreign Minister Lavrov said, ‘Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is a true patriot. He announced that India would prioritise its national interests while he was still in the United States. Only a few countries can demonstrate this kind of self-esteem.’

The Russian Foreign Minister said that Russia would not depend on the European countries for food security, defence and other strategic sectors. The Russian Foreign Minister said that Russia would cooperate with India, which does not succumb to the pressures exerted by the westerners in these matters.

Meanwhile, after the conflict between the Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley, the Russian Foreign Minister appealed that India should not join the conspiracy against China under US influence. He had also made certain other remarks against India. He expressed regret over the statements in due course of time. The very same Foreign Minister praising the independent Indian foreign policies becomes noteworthy.