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Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov said India purchases Russian crude for its own national development and energy security.
He rejected Western criticism that the trade helps Moscow finance the war in Ukraine.
Alipov criticized sanctions and pressure tactics, and said Russia can supply as much oil as needed.
He also argued that critics should offer India a more competitive oil deal instead of punitive measures.
Why it mattersThe remark could affect India’s energy trade and the political fallout from US sanctions pressure.
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S Jaishankar separately defended India’s energy imports and said the war will be resolved through diplomacy, not oil trade.