New Delhi and Moscow have a “steady and time-tested partnership,” India’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday, just days after US President Donald Trump ripped the South Asian nation over its ties with Russia.

Rubio called India an "ally" but noted that Delhi's Russian oil imports were hampering its relationship with Washington.

The strategy of snapping up cheap Russian oil, refining it, and exporting petroleum products — even to nations sanctioning Russian crude — has delivered record profits for Indian refiners.