New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- In response to Donald Trump's claim that India will stop procuring discounted crude oil from Russia, a move he has slammed as "supporting" Moscow's war on Ukraine, Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov said that "Russian oil is important for the Indian economy".

Alipov stated, "It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario".

"We proceed from the understanding of Indian government policy... it reflects the national interest of the Indian people and national economy, and those goals will not contradict Russia-India relations. We will continue discussing cooperation with India regarding oil and gas," Alipov was quoted as saying.

The statement al...