Reuters: India reduced purchases of Russian oil by 50%

Indian refineries have reduced imports of Russian oil by 50%, Reuters reports, citing a representative of the US White House. According to the official, this decision was made after negotiations between New Delhi and Washington on trade issues. He did not give any other details.

On October 16, the agency reported, citing three sources, that amid growing US pressure, Indian refineries are preparing to reduce purchases of raw materials from Russia since December. Traders in a conversation with Reuters indicated that India will need some time. At the same time, the interlocutors noted that there had not yet been any government orders in this regard.

At the end of August, the United States imposed 50 percent duties on Indian goods, justifying this by the fact that the Indian government imports oil from Russia" New Delhi, continuing purchases, finances the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the White House said. The United States called on G7 partners to impose increased duties against countries that buy Russian oil

The day before, US President Donald Trump said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a conversation with him, promised to refuse to purchase Russian raw materials. The representative of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, told reporters in response that he did not know anything about this conversation. The agency added that "in an unstable energy situation," it considers it a priority to protect the interests of its consumers, as well as to ensure stable prices and reliable supplies of oil and gas.

After Trump's words, the Kremlin said that Russia was guided by official statements from Delhi on the issue of Russian oil purchases. Its import is beneficial for India, Russian energy resources remain in demand, and cooperation with friendly partners will continue, said Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.