Peskov told reporters in response to a question about whether the Kremlin sees a threat to Russian energy exports: “We believe that sovereign states have the right to choose their trade partners, partners for trade and economic cooperation, and choose trade and economic cooperation systems that serve the interests of each country.” Peskov added that demands from the West for various countries to cease trade relations with Russia are illegal, and he continued: “We hear many statements that are actually threats… and we do not consider them legal.” Earlier, he announced that he had been informed that India intends to refuse to buy oil from Russia. At the same time, the Indian newspaper “Mint,” citing sources, reported that state-owned Indian oil refineries continue to buy oil from Russian suppliers. India is the third-largest energy importer in the world, purchasing more than 80% of its oil consumption from global markets. Earlier, the “Times of India,” citing data from the commodity market analysis company “Kpler,” reported that India’s imports had risen to their highest level in 11 months in June. This increase in purchases came after escalating geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran.
