India, Aug. 21 -- Russia on Wednesday dismissed concerns about sanctions and tariffs imposed by the US and European Union (EU) hitting oil supplies to India, with senior Russian officials saying Moscow has a "very special mechanism" to get around punitive measures imposed by the Donald Trump administration to curb energy trade.

Russia also remains a "partner of choice" for India in defence, and hostilities between India and Pakistan in May served as a "very successful battle test" for Russian weaponry such as the S-400 air defence system, charge d'affaires Roman Babushkin told a media briefing. He confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will travel to India later this year for an annual summit though dates are yet to be finalised.

India...