India Declares Friendship with Russia as "Unstoppable" – No Ban, No Tariff Can Break Decades of Ties
In a world of shifting geopolitics, one partnership has remained steady, strong, and unshakable — the friendship between India and Russia. Recently, Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, made a powerful statement that resonated not only in Moscow but across the globe. Speaking to Russian media, he underlined that no ban, no tariff, no external pressure, and no Western sanctions can break the brotherly ties between India and Russia.
This comes at a time when the United States has repeatedly warned India against purchasing cheap Russian crude oil. Washington has even threatened tariffs and sanctions if New Delhi continues to deepen its energy trade with Moscow. But India, showing rare diplomatic firmness, has given a clear message — its friendship with Russia is "unstoppable."
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India-Russia Friendship: A Bond Forged Over Decades
The relationship between India and Russia is not new; it dates back to the Cold War era. For decades, the two nations have stood by each other in difficult times.
Defence Cooperation: More than 60% of India’s military arsenal is of Russian origin, including fighter jets, tanks, submarines, and the famous S-400 missile defense system.
Energy Partnership: Russia has become India’s largest crude oil supplier in recent years, surpassing even traditional Gulf suppliers. With Russian oil being 30-40% cheaper, India saves billions of dollars annually.
Nuclear Collaboration: The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu is one of the largest civil nuclear projects built with Russian cooperation.
Space Exploration: From the early stages of ISRO to India’s astronauts, Russian technology and training have played a vital role.
This bond is not just about economics or defense — it is about mutual trust and shared history. India remembers how Russia supported it during critical junctures like the 1971 Indo-Pak war, when Moscow stood firm against Western pressure and ensured India’s victory.
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America’s Pressure on India
The United States and its allies have imposed severe sanctions on Russia since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict. Washington has consistently tried to persuade India to cut down Russian oil imports, arguing that such trade helps Moscow withstand global isolation.
America has threatened 50% tariffs on certain Indian goods.
There are talks of restricting technology transfer to Indian companies dealing with Russia.
Western leaders have tried to lure India by offering alternative oil supplies from the US and the Middle East.
But India has been crystal clear: its national interest comes first. New Delhi has refused to succumb to Western diktats, continuing to import discounted Russian oil and strengthening bilateral trade.
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Vinay Kumar’s Strong Message
In his recent statement to Russian media, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar said:
> “India-Russia friendship is unstoppable. Whether there are bans, tariffs, or sanctions, our relations are built on decades of trust. No external pressure can break this bond.”
This declaration carries huge symbolic weight. It is a reminder that India values strategic autonomy — the ability to make independent decisions without bowing down to Western or Eastern blocs.
For Moscow, this is reassurance that India remains a reliable partner despite global turbulence. For Washington, it is a signal that India will not be bullied into abandoning its trusted ally.
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Energy Ties: The Heart of India-Russia Trade
The most significant dimension of the Indo-Russian partnership today is energy trade. Since 2022, India has emerged as the largest buyer of Russian crude oil.
India now imports over 1.5 million barrels per day from Russia.
Payments are often made in rupees, dirhams, or rubles, bypassing the US dollar system.
The savings in import bills help India keep domestic fuel prices stable, benefiting millions of ordinary citizens.
This arrangement frustrates Washington, which fears that India’s purchases undermine the West’s sanctions regime. But for India, cheap energy equals economic stability — something no government can compromise.
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Defence and Technology: Still a Cornerstone
Beyond oil, defence cooperation continues to be a pillar of India-Russia friendship.
India is co-producing BrahMos supersonic missiles with Russia, a project that has gained global attention.
The Su-30MKI fighters, T-90 tanks, and MiG aircraft still form the backbone of India’s defence.
India and Russia are discussing joint production of next-generation engines for fighter jets.
Even though India has diversified its defence imports by purchasing from France, Israel, and the US, Russia remains irreplaceable in critical technology transfers.
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Trade Beyond Defence and Oil
In 2024–25, India-Russia bilateral trade touched nearly $68 billion, a historic high. The scope of cooperation goes beyond defence and energy:
Agriculture: Russia is a major supplier of fertilizer to India, crucial for the farming sector.
Pharmaceuticals: Indian medicines have a strong market in Russia.
Diamonds & Gold: Moscow remains a key partner in supplying raw materials for India’s jewellery industry.
The target is to reach $100 billion trade turnover by 2030.
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Why India Refuses to Abandon Russia
1. Historical Loyalty – Russia has always backed India on Kashmir at the UN Security Council.
2. Strategic Balancing – India cannot afford to rely solely on the West; Russia provides leverage.
3. Energy Security – Discounted oil and gas are vital for India’s fast-growing economy.
4. Technology Access – Russia shares defence technologies that the West hesitates to transfer.
5. Geopolitical Stability – With China’s rise, India values Russia as a counterbalance in Asia.
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Western Frustration, Indian Confidence
The West often portrays India’s stance as "double-faced" — being part of the Quad alliance with the US, Japan, and Australia while at the same time deepening ties with Russia. But this is India’s diplomatic strength: the ability to engage with multiple powers without being tied to one bloc.
New Delhi has sent a message that it will not allow foreign pressure to dictate its foreign policy. As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar famously said:
> “Europe has to grow out of the mindset that its problems are the world’s problems. Our problems are not the world’s problems.”
This philosophy also applies to India’s Russia policy.
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Conclusion: An "Unstoppable" Friendship
India’s message to the world is loud and clear: the Indo-Russian partnership is here to stay. Neither American threats, European sanctions, nor global geopolitical turbulence can weaken this bond.
Ambassador Vinay Kumar’s words — “unstoppable friendship” — sum up decades of trust, cooperation, and brotherhood between the two nations.
As the world undergoes rapid changes, one thing remains constant: India and Russia, shoulder to shoulder, navigating the challenges of the 21st century together.
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