Strategic Silence: Russia Claims No Official Word from India on Halt of Oil Imports Despite Trump’s Trade Deal Proclamations. In a significant diplomatic disconnect that has sent ripples through global energy markets, the Kremlin stated on Tuesday that it has received “no official word” from New Delhi regarding a halt to Russian oil imports.The statement directly contradicts a high-profile announcement by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to cease purchases of Russian crude as part of a sweeping new trade deal with Washington.
The Core of the Disconnect: Trump’s “Mother of All Deals”
On Monday, February 2, 2026, President Trump took to Truth Social to announce what he described as a landmark trade breakthrough. According to the US President, Washington agreed to slash tariffs on Indian goods from a staggering 50% to 18%. In exchange, Trump asserted that India committed to:
- Halting all Russian oil imports to help “END THE WAR” in Ukraine.
- Purchasing $500 billion worth of American goods, including energy, technology, and aircraft.
- Shifting energy sourcing toward the United States and potentially Venezuela.
While Prime Minister Modi hailed the “wonderful” news regarding tariff reductions, New Delhi’s official statements have remained conspicuously silent on the specific promise to abandon Russian energy—a silence that Moscow has now highlighted.
Moscow’s Reaction: “Strategic Partnership is Most Important”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Russia is “carefully analyzing” Trump’s remarks but emphasized that bilateral cooperation with India remains unchanged for now.
“So far, we haven’t heard any statements from New Delhi on this matter,” Peskov stated. “We attach no less importance to the development of an advanced strategic partnership between Russia and India. This is the most important thing for us.”
Russian energy experts, including Igor Yushkov of the National Energy Security Fund, have pointed out the economic hurdles of a sudden pivot. They argue that Russian crude remains the “most profitable option” for India, often trading at a 7-14% discount compared to Middle Eastern or US grades.
The Economic Stakes for India
India’s reliance on Russian oil has transformed its energy landscape since 2022. Before the Ukraine conflict, Russian oil accounted for a mere 0.2% of India’s imports. By early 2026, that figure sits between 35-40%.
The Challenges of a Pivot:
- Inflationary Pressures: Ratings agencies like Moody’s have cautioned that an immediate cessation of Russian imports could be “disruptive to economic growth” and fuel domestic inflation.
- Shipping Costs: Logistics experts estimate that shipping oil from the US Gulf Coast is 40-60% more expensive than from Russian ports, creating a significant cost premium for Indian refiners.
- Existing Infrastructure: Indian state-owned firms hold billions of dollars in “trapped” dividends and upstream assets in Russian fields like Sakhalin-1 and Vankorneft.
A Balancing Act: Washington vs. Moscow
The deal represents a strategic reset in India-US relations, which had been strained by “reciprocal” tariffs and US pressure over India’s “neutral” stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. Under the new agreement, the US is reportedly dropping a 25% punitive levy specifically linked to India’s Russian oil purchases, bringing the total duty down from 50% to 18%.
| Feature | Pre-Deal Status (2025) | Post-Deal Commitment (2026) |
| US Tariff on Indian Goods | 50% (Inc. 25% Punitive Oil Levy) | 18% |
| Russian Oil Share | ~36% of Imports | Trump claims 0% (India silent) |
| Trade Goal | $191 Billion (Current) | $500 Billion by 2030 |
| Reciprocal Tariffs | 25% | Aiming for Zero (Non-tariff barriers) |
What Happens Next?
As of Tuesday afternoon, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not issued a formal clarification on the energy component of the deal. Analysts suggest that India may be pursuing a phased reduction rather than an immediate halt, allowing it to satisfy Washington’s demands while managing its own energy security and historic ties with Moscow.
The Kremlin has indicated it will continue to develop relations with Delhi “in every possible way,” signaling that it may offer even deeper discounts to keep its top customer from walking away.
Disclaimer: This information is based on various inputs from news agency.