In a recent statement, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova addressed accusations from the United States suggesting that India had agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil. Zakharova emphasized that such a claim had no basis, asserting that India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons is mutually beneficial for both countries and contributes to stability in the international energy market. She remarked that there is no reason to believe that India has altered its position on purchasing Russian hydrocarbons.

The U.S. claims were made in the backdrop of a visit by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested that India had pledged to halt its Russian oil imports. Zakharova's rebuttal highlighted the growing tension between the U.S. and Russia concerning oil agreements and the broader geopolitical implications surrounding energy supply relationships.

Zakharova's statements come at a crucial time when global energy markets are experiencing fluctuations, and countries like India are seeking to balance their energy needs amid rising prices. The assertion that India might change its import policy raises questions about the influence of U.S. foreign policy on independent nations' energy decisions, especially given India's strategic interests in maintaining a diverse and stable energy supply from various sources, including Russia.