Moscow notes Delhi's US tariff strain, reaffirms 'no-limits' relations

New Delhi: Ahead of President Putin's State Visit, Russia said it recognises India's difficulties over high US tariffs on Russian oil, while stressing it will not weigh in on New Delhi's dealings with Washington.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "We cannot interfere in the diplomatic relations between the US and India. We understand that there is pressure on India." He added that this pressure now influences how Russia approaches its partnership with New Delhi.

Peskov was addressing an online briefing for Indian journalists organised by the Sputnik news agency. Elaborating on Moscow's position, he said, "This is why we have to be careful in creating an architecture of the relationship that is free from the influence of any third country."


Highlighting India's independent foreign policy choices, Peskov said, "We know that India is very sovereign in defining its national interests. We admire this characteristic of India," underscoring Moscow's view that New Delhi acts with strategic autonomy in global affairs.

India and Russia are already conducting trade in their national currencies and are in talks to link banking channels - an issue set to feature prominently at the December 5 Summit.

"We are aware that we're selling much more than we buy from India. And we know that our Indian friends are concerned about that," he said.

To address this, he announced that an importers' forum will be held during Putin's visit, aimed at identifying specific Indian goods and services Russia can purchase.

Senior MEA officials said that economic partnership, trade and investment ties and mobility pact will be the focus of Putin's visit as India seeks to increase quantum of Indian exports to Russia. Several pacts concerning trade and investments will be signed during the visit while key defence projects will be discussed, MEA officials hinted.