Russian Ambassador Alipov: India-Russia Oil, Defence and Tourism Partnership Excellent; US Sanctions Illegal – NDTV Interview

New Delhi — Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, in an interview with NDTV, provided detailed information on the close cooperation between the two countries and their future plans. He described India-Russia relations as “regular and intensive,” noting that the two sides have very close coordination on many topical issues of international politics.

Regarding the Middle East conflict, Alipov stated that Russia has condemned US and Israeli actions against Iran. He said Gulf countries have become disillusioned with US security guarantees, and that energy and fertilizer markets have been jeopardized. Expressing satisfaction with the substantial increase in Russian oil supplies to India, he called the anti-Russia sanctions imposed by the US and European Union “illegal in nature,” adding that India does not recognize them.

Describing defence cooperation as a long-term technological partnership, the ambassador said Russia offers extensive technology transfer and a comprehensive cooperation program. On tourism, Alipov noted that last year (2025) saw the largest number of Indian tourists on Russia’s Arctic coast, and that a visa-free agreement for tourist groups has been proposed between the two countries.