Ongoing India-Russia Talks Aim to Resolve Oil Crisis, Says Ambassador Denis Alipov

New Delhi, March 31: The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States is escalating, leading to rising oil prices and a visible oil crisis in several countries. In light of these developments, Denis Alipov, the Russian Ambassador to India, shared insights in a special interview regarding the current situation.

Question: What are your thoughts on oil diplomacy at this time?
Answer: We are not involved in any form of oil diplomacy. We engage in bilateral trade and enhance economic relations. Recently, we have seen a significant increase in oil supply volumes from Russia to India. We welcome this and are always ready to expand this collaboration for the benefit of both parties. Given the current situation in the Middle East, we should perhaps discuss the U.S. oil disruption diplomacy more. This has caused considerable instability in the energy market. In terms of Russia and India, we are seeing an upward trend in bilateral trade, including oil, which we support and are committed to continuing.

Question: The U.S. has repeatedly claimed that India has reduced its oil imports from Russia due to pressure. What is the truth behind this claim?
Answer: I am not in a position to answer questions about U.S.-India trade. However, we reject any pressure in international politics. This is not the right way to conduct business. We observe the U.S.’s open claims and intentions to create obstacles for us in the Indian market, as well as their appeals to India and several other countries to cease business with Russia and reduce ties. This should be completely dismissed, as it is not how international relations should be built. India has maintained its independent foreign policy, and we certainly welcome India’s perspective on rejecting such pressures.

Question: What is Russia’s stance in the ongoing war in Iran? Does Russia support Iran?
Answer: We have made our position clear. We advocate for an immediate halt to military actions in the Gulf. Clearly, Iran was attacked, which was an unprovoked assault by the U.S. and Israel. This is the main reason for the current crisis. We support Iran’s actions for its freedom, security, and sovereignty. Our focus has been on calling for diplomatic resolutions to differences at the negotiation table among all parties involved. This is urgently needed, as the crisis is escalating and impacting the global market, directly affecting global energy supply and having severe repercussions worldwide.

Question: Is Russia assisting in the safe transportation of Indian oil shipments via Hormuz?
Answer: We have maintained diplomatic contact with India, as we do with other countries. We engage in discussions with regional powers, and as we know, India has been very active in diplomatic efforts regarding this matter. Bilaterally, we are also conversing to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible.

Question: Is Russia providing intelligence or military assistance to Iran in this conflict?
Answer: I am not aware of that. I am not the ambassador to Iran. I can only say that the Russian embassy in India does not provide any intelligence or military assistance to Iran.