India reiterated that national interest, not external pressure, guides its energy decisions as tensions rise over US tariffs on Indian goods.
Speaking to Russian state agency TASS, India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, said New Delhi will continue buying oil from whichever source offers the ‘best deal’, underlining that energy security for 1.4 billion people remains the government’s top priority.
Kumar strongly criticised Washington’s recent move to double tariffs on Indian imports, describing it as ‘unfair, unreasonable and unjustified’.
He stressed that Indian trade operates on commercial principles and that energy purchases from Russia and other suppliers contribute to global oil market stability.
The envoy made it clear that the need to secure affordable and reliable energy supplies shapes India’s policies.
“The government will continue taking measures to protect the national interest of the country,” Kumar said.
He further explained that Indian companies would maintain commercial transactions wherever terms are favourable, regardless of political pressure.
Officials have long argued that India’s Russian crude purchases are essential for economic stability, noting that Western nations themselves continue limited trade with Moscow.
Jaishankar Backs Strong Stand
Kumar’s comments echoed remarks by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who recently denounced the tariff hike as ‘unjustified and unreasonable’.
Jaishankar insisted that India would not compromise the interests of its farmers and small producers in the face of US trade actions.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has sharply increased its Russian crude intake since 2022. It has taken advantage of discounted rates despite Western sanctions.
Addressing financial concerns, Kumar said India and Russia had already established a reliable settlement system in national currencies. He added that the arrangement ensures smooth payments for oil imports.
The arrangement, introduced after Western sanctions on Russian banks, has bolstered bilateral trade.
While Indian oil imports from Russia have surged, exports to Moscow remain limited, highlighting an imbalance in the trade relationship. Nonetheless, officials maintain that India’s approach prioritises stability and affordability in energy markets.
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