Next time ask in Hindi: Russian diplomat mixes humour with oil assurance

A routine press briefing at the Russian Embassy turned lively when Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission, greeted journalists in Hindi. "Shuruat karengey. Shree Ganesh karte hain," he said, drawing smiles in the room.

The light moment came when a reporter asked about Russia's support for India's Iron Dome. Babushkin replied, "You mean Sudarshan Chakra? Next time ask me in Hindi, I can answer better".

On substance, the diplomat confirmed that Russia will keep oil flowing to India despite sanctions pressure. "We have a very, very special mechanism," he said, adding that India's crude imports from Russia will remain stable.

Babushkin also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the year ends, though dates are not finalised.

The reassurance came as India faces fresh economic headwinds.

India's defence of its Russian oil purchases has sharpened amid fresh strain with Washington after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, including a new 25 per cent penalty tied to New Delhi's continued crude imports from Moscow.

The White House move, announced through an executive order earlier this month, came after repeated warnings to India to scale back its reliance on Russian energy.

New Delhi, however, has held its ground, arguing that its oil procurement is guided by national interest and market realities. India ramped up imports from Russia after Western sanctions in 2022 over the Ukraine invasion left Moscow offering steep discounts.

Russia's share in India’s oil basket jumped from just 1.7 per cent in 2019-20 to 35.1 per cent in 2024-25, making it India’s single largest supplier.

Meanwhile, the European Union last month sanctioned Russian-backed Nayara Energy in India, forcing the refiner to cut processing and discouraging firms from trading with it.

Still, Russian officials projected optimism. Trade between India and Russia is set to grow by 10 per cent annually, Evgeniy Griva, Deputy Trade Representative, said at the same briefing.

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