What happened?
On August 20, 2025, Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in India, Roman Babushkin, criticised the United States for imposing tariffs on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Babushkin described the US move as “unjustified and unilateral,”. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commenced his visit to Moscow to co-chair the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC). The IRIGC serves as a key platform for bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, defence, and finance. Babushkin emphasised that Russia remained committed to India’s energy security despite growing external pressure.
Why it matters to India
Babushkin asserted that energy cooperation between India and Russia remains strong and that Russian markets are open to Indian exports, in contrast to perceived restrictions by the West. His comments come during a period of heightened diplomatic engagement between India and Russia, including recent discussions between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi. As global energy markets face increasing volatility, India’s strategic autonomy in energy sourcing continues to be a central aspect of its foreign policy. The ongoing IRIGC in Moscow and the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin provide further opportunities for both countries to reinforce their strategic partnership.