Russia has assured its commitment to supply crude oil for India, offering a discount of around 5%.
Evgeniy Griva, deputy trade representative of Russia to India, said on Tuesday, “There will be a 5% discount, subject to negotiation, on Russian crude oil purchases to India,” noting that volumes would remain steady.
He described the discount as a commercial matter, saying it typically fluctuates but averages “plus-minus 5%”, reports NDTV.
“Despite the political situation, approximately the same level of oil will be imported by India,” the trade representative added.
Roman Babushkin, Russia’s deputy chief of mission in New Delhi, stressed that Moscow trusted its partnership with India even under challenging circumstances.
“We are confident that India-Russia energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding the external pressure,” he noted.
The United States has accused India of indirectly funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine by purchasing Russian crude oil.
It recently imposed 50% tariffs for Indian imports of Russian oil, with White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro alleging that New Delhi acts as a “global clearinghouse” for embargoed Russian crude oil.