US trade war: What if Russian oil is excluded from the markets? Ambassador Alipov warns that “the world cannot cope with this” | Today’s news
Russia’s ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, said the global energy market would struggle to cope with the exclusion of Russian oil. He asserted that Moscow is ready to supply India with as much oil as it needs, while noting that India has demonstrated its willingness to protect its national interests amid sanctions and tariffs linked to trade in Russian oil.
He said pressure tactics over the issue have prevented countries imposing such measures from offering India a better deal than Russia in oil supplies. According to Alipov, Russia remains interested in selling oil to India, while India remains interested in buying it.
When asked about Moscow’s confidence in continued India-Russia energy cooperation, Alipov told ANI, “The question is – how confident is India? India has shown that it can stand up and defend its national interests. And when we talk about sanctions on oil trade, the tariffs are also related to cooperation between Russia and India in oil supply. These interests are paramount for India, as we need oil.”
“Unfortunately, those imposing sanctions and tariffs have taken a path of coercive tactics instead of honest cooperation, which prevents these countries from offering India a better oil deal than we do. The world will not cope if Russian oil is excluded. Energy markets cannot afford it. Russian oil will remain in the market for India and other countries.” We are interested in supplying oil to India. India is interested in buying this oil.
Alipov’s remarks come amid increasing pressure from Washington and its Western allies on countries that continue to import Russian energy, particularly India and China.
Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran from 2026
The US Senate last month approved the bipartisan Lindsey O Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026 by a vote of 86-11, setting the stage for possible additional economic measures against countries that continue to buy Russian energy.
The legislation would allow US President Donald Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on imports from countries such as India and China if they maintain significant purchases of Russian oil and gas.
The proposed measure claims that revenue from such energy trade boosts Russia’s economy and helps finance its military campaign in Ukraine. It would give the US president the ability to impose up to 100% tariffs on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian oil or natural gas.
The proposal also calls for additional sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political and military officials, financial institutions, energy-related projects and other entities linked to Moscow’s war effort.
As India remains a major buyer of Russian oil along with China, the proposed secondary tariffs could have implications for New Delhi’s energy relationship with Moscow.
However, US presidential adviser Peter Navarro said Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a “very good working relationship” and will work to resolve disputes over tariffs linked to Russian oil.
“That’s not how we deal with issues here in America. As for your question, the president and your prime minister have a very good working relationship. They’ll work it out between themselves and it’s not up to me or any crook to get in the way,” Navarro mentioned.
