Russian minister Lavrov pulls up US for dictating India over oil; accuses Washington’s coercive tactics

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has noted that there are ongoing efforts to prevent countries like India from purchasing Russian oil but pointed out that New Delhi wants to work on energy security through the Brics. "US restrictions on Rosneft and Lukoil shifted flows and prompted market adjustments, but leading companies from both countries discussed adapting to the new situation at the recent Indian Energy Week in Goa," according to Alipovc dominance on the global stage.

He accused Washington of trying to control Moscow's trade and military ties with some of its strongest allies, including India, and added that it was using unfair methods against Moscow.

Lavrov’s comments are significant amid a White House order that claims that India has committed against importing Russian oil. Deputy Russian FM and Brics sherpa Sergey Ryabkov told ET that political issues should be handled politically and not through coercion. Ryabkov is here to attend Brics sherpa meet and was asked about the Trump administration’s order on Russian oil imports and tariff reduction.


Lavrov told Brics TV that Moscow would extend its support to India’s Brics chairmanship, describing New Delhi’s agenda as forward-looking and highly relevant, with a strong focus on counter-terrorism and energy security.

"India's chairmanship, in my view, presents a modern, highly relevant agenda that addresses today's challenges while preparing for the future. We will actively support it," he said.

Lavrov noted that India places special emphasis on counter-terrorism, which continues to be a highly relevant issue, and added that terrorist activities are observed in Afghanistan, along its borders, and also along the India-Pakistan-Afghanistan corridor, and some other hotspots.

“This priority is particularly significant for us, especially as we actively work with India in the UN to advance a global counter-terrorism convention, which is already drafted, although consensus has not yet been reached,” Lavrov said.

He said that, alongside other priorities, New Delhi also prioritises issues of food and energy security. Energy security, according to Lavrov, will be crucial, especially in light of recent actions taken by the Trump administration in the global energy sector. He noted that these priorities have practical significance and real-world impact.

Among the other issues that India prioritises is information and communication technology (ICT), which Moscow supports actively. He also said India has invited Russia to the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ from February 16 to 20, adding that Moscow is actively involved in shaping the agenda.

Russia will remain India’s top Oil Supplier, Despite Western Opposition’ according to Russia's Ambassador to India. "Significant discounts on Russian grades, plus considerable work on new payment and insurance mechanisms, and alternative transport routes has seen Russian hydrocarbons continue to form the backbone of the Indian economy's import basket," Denis Alipov told state-run agency TASS. "US restrictions on Rosneft and Lukoil shifted flows and prompted market adjustments, but leading companies from both countries discussed adapting to the new situation at the recent Indian Energy Week in Goa," according to Alipov.