New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- Russian oil, which accounts for a third of India's total imports, remains the most cost-effective option on the global market and Moscow has consistently honoured its commitments amid attempts to disrupt this energy cooperation, Russian ambassador Denis Alipov said on Thursday. Alipov's remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told him that India will stop buying Russian oil. Alipov further contended that President Vladimir Putin's visit in December for an annual India-Russia Summit is an opportunity to further elevate cooperation and strengthen coordination on the global stage. Alipov, who was addressing an event marking the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, described Russia as India's "most reliable energy partner" and made a case for closer cooperation in defence, trade, connectivity and technology. He also pushed for reviving the Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue to build a greater Eurasian partnership. "Russian oil accounts for around one-third of India's total hydrocarbon imports," Alipov said, praising the Indian government for ensuring access to affordable energy for its citizens. "Russian energy remains the most cost-effective option on the global market, and Russia has consistently honoured its commitments while showing flexibility in developing alternative logistics and payment systems in the face of attempts to disrupt this cooperation." India ramped up purchase of discounted Russian oil soon after US and its European allies imposed sanctions on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, ignoring pressure from the West. However, India-US ties have come under unprecedented strain in recent months over Trump's 50% tariffs, including a 25% punitive levy over Russian oil purchases. This was accompanied by fresh pressure from Trump on India to cut its procurement of Russian energy and military equipment on the ground that this helps fund the war in Ukraine....