<h1>Russia says relationship with India based on mutual sovereignty, not India's ties with third countries, rejects external pressure</h1> Russia affirmed that its bilateral relationship with India is governed by mutual sovereignty and independent national interests, not by India's ties with third states, stating that third-party relationships (including with the US) are not a criterion for Russia-India relations. The Russian government emphasized respect for India's independent foreign policy, ongoing high-level contacts, broad cooperation across trade, defence, finance, technology and multilateral coordination, and dismissed external pressure over India's energy purchases. The statement responds to US tariff measures tied to Indian purchases of Russian oil and underscores that India chooses its partners and negotiates bilateral terms directly.