New Delhi, India – The Indian government has affirmed its commitment to continue purchasing crude oil from Russia, a decision driven by national interests and a strategy to ensure energy stability. This announcement comes amid recent statements and threats of additional tariffs from the new US administration.
Government sources, speaking to the press, confirmed that there has been no directive issued to Indian oil companies to halt or reduce their purchases of Russian crude. The sources emphasized that India’s sourcing strategy is based on economic factors, including price, grade of crude, logistics, and global market conditions.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India’s relationship with Russia is “steady and time-tested” and should not be viewed through the “prism of a third country.” The spokesperson added that as the world’s third-largest energy consumer, India’s pragmatic approach to securing affordable energy has played a crucial role in preventing a global oil price surge, thereby contributing to international energy stability.
This position follows a statement from a senior US official who claimed to have “heard” that India would cease its Russian oil imports, a claim that has been directly rebutted by Indian officials. The Indian government has reiterated its stance that its energy procurement policies are fully compliant with international regulations and norms, including the G7/EU price-cap mechanism.
India remains steadfast in its commitment to its energy security and bilateral partnerships, prioritizing the economic well-being of its citizens while navigating a complex global geopolitical landscape.
