NEW DELHI- Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on December 2 acknowledged that India faces pressure from the United States over its purchases of Russian oil but affirmed that Moscow respects New Delhi’s sovereign national interests.

Peskov’s remarks come just days before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, scheduled for December 4-5.

Speaking on the US imposing high tariffs on Indian goods and pushing New Delhi to cut crude imports, the Kremlin spokesperson stated, “We cannot interfere in the diplomatic relations between the US and India. We understand that there is pressure over India.”

He added that this external pressure necessitates a careful approach in shaping the bilateral ties. “This is the reason we have to be careful in creating an architecture of the relationship that must be free of any influence coming from any third country,” Peskov explained.

The spokesman also praised India’s foreign policy, saying, “We know that India is very sovereign in defining its national interests. We admire this characteristic of India,” emphasizing Moscow’s view of India’s strategic autonomy.

The summit takes on added geopolitical importance as Washington continues to press India to reduce imports of discounted Russian crude. New US legislation being considered could also impose additional penalties on countries that continue to buy Russian energy, making the upcoming talks crucial for India to safeguard its national interests. (ANI)