The senior Russian official commented to the press on the US threats against India over the Asian country’s oil purchases from the Russian Federation.

“We believe that sovereign countries should have the right to choose their trading partners, partners for trade and economic cooperation, and to choose the trade and economic cooperation regimes that are in the interest of each country,” the spokesperson said.

Previously, US President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social network that he would significantly increase tariffs on India for the import and resale of Russian oil.

Prior to that, the US president had stated that Washington would impose trade tariffs of 25% on India.

Trump added that New Delhi “has always purchased most of its military equipment from Russia” and that, along with China, it is “the largest buyer” of Russian energy resources.

On Monday, the Indian Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling criticism from Washington and the European Union over India’s purchase of Russian oil unjustified.

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