Unjustified, says Russia on US pressure on India for buying Russian crude oil
New Delhi, (PTI): The US pressure on India for its procurement of Russian crude oil is "unjustified", a senior Russian diplomat said on Wednesday.
We are confident that India-Russia energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding the external pressure, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said.
It is a "challenging" situation for India, he said at a media briefing and added that, we have "trust" in our ties with New Delhi.
In the context of Western punitive measures against Russia, Babushkin said the sanctions are hitting those who are imposing them.
To a question, he said the role of BRICS as a stabilising force will increase amid the ongoing global turbulence.
His remarks came against the backdrop of strain in India's ties with the US following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent that included an additional penalty of 25 percent for purchasing Russian crude oil.
US President Trump this month issued an executive order slapping an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods as a penalty for New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil.
Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
India turned to purchasing Russian oil sold at a discount after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and shunned its supplies over its invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022.
Consequently, from a mere 1.7 percent share in total oil imports in 2019-20, Russia's share increased to 35.1 percent in 2024-25, and it is now the biggest oil supplier to India.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Elder brother allegedly kills sibling over marriage dispute in Gadag
Gadag: A man has been arrested for allegedly killing his younger brother following a dispute related to marriage in Hirekoppa village of Nargund taluk on Tuesday.
According to Asianet News, the deceased has been identified as 19-year-old Fakirappa Kuravinkoppa, a shepherd from Chikkamulangi village in Belagavi district. The accused, Ashok, is his elder brother.
Police said that Ashok initially claimed that unidentified persons had killed his brother by dropping a stone on his head. However, on suspicion, he was taken into custody for questioning.
ALSO READ: Four people nabbed for black marketing of cooking gas in K'taka, 105 LPG cylinders seized
During interrogation, Ashok reportedly confessed to the crime. Police said the dispute was related to a woman Fakirappa was engaged to marry, and the accused allegedly committed the act with the intention of marrying her.
The victim’s mother, Yallamma, said the family was not aware of such intentions and that a separate marriage proposal had already been arranged for Ashok, but he didn't like her. “I never imagined he would kill his own brother just because he wanted Fakirappa's fiancée,” Asianet News quoted Yallamma as saying.
On receiving information, the Nargund police visited the spot and began an investigation. A case has been registered, and further inquiry is underway.
