Russia’s Lavrov Highlights Rising Pressure on India as Energy Tensions Escalate
New Delhi stresses energy choices remain guided by national interest after Moscow alleges US interference in global oil trade
Russia, Feb 10 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has alleged that the United States is attempting to restrict India and other countries from purchasing Russian oil, claiming Washington is deploying sanctions, tariffs and trade barriers to advance its own energy exports.
In an interview with TV BRICS, cited by Sputnik, Lavrov said efforts were underway to deny partner nations access to what he described as affordable Russian energy while pushing them toward higher-priced American liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The remarks come as India continues to emphasise that its energy strategy is shaped solely by national priorities. Officials have repeatedly stated that affordability, supply stability and availability remain central to procurement decisions, even amid speculation about adjustments to Russian oil imports.
Lavrov accuses US of tightening sanctions
Referring to past diplomatic outreach, Lavrov said Russia had accepted a US proposal during talks in Anchorage related to the Ukraine conflict but had since seen relations deteriorate instead of improving.
He accused Washington of escalating pressure through additional sanctions and restrictions on maritime trade, alleging that tanker operations were being targeted in violation of international law. According to Lavrov, the broader objective is to gain control over global energy flows and strengthen US market dominance.
Calling such tactics coercive, he argued that prohibitions and economic penalties undermine fair competition. Despite tensions, Lavrov added that Russia remains open to working with major economies, including the United States.
India reiterates independent energy policy
Soon after the comments, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed that India’s energy decisions will continue to reflect national interest. He highlighted fair pricing, reliable supply and adequate availability as critical factors, particularly for a country heavily dependent on imports.
Misri noted that managing inflationary pressures and safeguarding consumers are key considerations for a developing economy with significant resource demands.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also clarified that domestic buyers independently determine crude sourcing and that procurement choices are not shaped by the India-US interim trade framework. He added that diversifying suppliers remains strategically important.
The Ministry of External Affairs has similarly underscored that broad based sourcing, aligned with evolving market conditions, is essential for ensuring long-term energy security for India’s 1.4 billion citizens.
