India, Aug. 20 -- Russia on Wednesday said "India matters very much" for Moscow, in a display of upswing in ties amid threats of tariffs by US President Donald Trump, who has imposed levies on New Delhi for Russian oil purchase.

Roman Babushkin of the Russian Embassy in India, in a press conference, slammed the Donald Trump tariffs on India for Russian oil purchase and said the "US pressure" was unjustified and unilateral".

"We don't expect that to happen," Roman Babushkin said on question about India stopping Russian oil purchases.

Taking a swipe, Babushkin said "if the West criticises you, it means you are doing everything right."

Babushkin, Charge d'Affairs of the Russian Embassy, said US has weaponised economy, adding that "friend...