US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India’s ties with Russia a “point of irritation,” following President Trump’s threat of tariffs over Delhi’s continued oil and arms purchases from Moscow, BBC reported.
Rubio said India’s energy needs are valid but warned that buying Russian crude helps fund the Ukraine war.
Though Russian oil once made up 40 percent of India’s imports, recent reports suggest a decline due to reduced discounts.
India denies ordering a halt in purchases but says it can diversify if needed, according to BBC.
Trump’s remarks drew a sharp response from Russia’s Former President Dmitry Medvedev. India has not responded.
