Russia Says Its Oil Helps India Weather Iran War Shock

Russia said Wednesday its energy cooperation with India helped New Delhi mitigate the impact of the US war on Iran and global energy disruptions, responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call for India to stop buying Russian oil. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko described Russia as a reliable exporter, citing the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Zelenskyy argued Moscow depends on India, Turkey, and China for its economy, and cutting energy trade could force Russia to end the Ukraine war. Zelenskyy’s remarks followed US President Donald Trump signing a law allowing tariffs up to 100% on major Russian oil buyers. India remains a major importer, with Russian crude accounting for roughly one-third to nearly half of its imports.