Many internet users are sharing the claim that a “recalibration” of Russian oil imports by India is harming India-Russia relations. This decision by India is also harming India-Russia defence ties, as the deals between the two may be delayed.
One X user posts the image from last year when Modi visited Russia for a Russian ceremony. And it added the caption that says, “Putin unhappy with Modi as India stops buying Russian oil after U.S. sanctions threat. Russia may delay defence deals, says official.”
Fact-Check
The DFRAC team found no credible news outlets that reported on a disagreement between Indian-Russia ties. We went through the official X account of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (@mfa_russia). After analysing their posts, we found no unpleasant remark against India made by the Russian President Vladimir Putin or any of the Russian officials. However, Putin has made an appalling statement against the U.S. Recently, two major oil companies of Russia, Lukoil and Rosneft, have been sanctioned by the United States to curb Russian oil flowing into the market. To counter these fresh sanctions, Putin made a statement against the U.S., not India.
And a decision by Russia to delay defence deals with India is also fake. No reports mention the delay of defence deals in the wake of “Russian oil sanctions”. In fact, the defence ties between both nations are rapidly advancing and reaching new heights.
Conclusion
Therefore, the claim of a serious rift between India and Russia is fake. No such statement was made by the Russian President or any Russian official. Both countries remain close trading partners and share a strategic comprehensive partnership.
