“National interests will be the guiding factor for us in our choices for energy procurement,” Misri emphasized, adding that India’s key priorities are adequate supply, fair pricing, and reliability
-1770650536240_d.png "India maintains multiple sources for oil, unlikely to stop Russian purchases: Foreign Secretary Misri")
India unlikely to discontinue Russian oil imports. Representational Image
India will continue to procure crude oil from multiple sources and diversify its imports to ensure stable supply, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday.
Misri's remarks came amid controversy over US claims that New Delhi agreed to stop importing Russian oil.
“National interests will be the guiding factor for us in our choices for energy procurement,” Misri emphasized, adding that India’s key priorities are adequate supply, fair pricing, and reliability according to PTI.
Misri said India’s foremost concern is to protect the interests of Indian consumers, ensuring they receive sufficient energy at reasonable prices through secure and reliable channels.
“Our import policy for energy is driven entirely by these objectives,” he said, stressing that India neither depends on a single source nor intends to. The mix of sources naturally varies over time based on market conditions.
“Our approach is to maintain multiple sources of supply and diversify them to ensure stability. The more diversified we are, the more secure we are,” Misri added as per PTI.
US Claims on Russian Oil
US President Donald Trump, while announcing a trade deal with India last week, claimed that India had agreed not to purchase crude oil from Russia. In response, Trump’s executive order rolled back the additional 25 percent tariffs imposed in August 2025 on Indian imports, including Russian crude. The US will monitor India’s purchases to determine whether tariffs are reinstated.
India’s global role and dependence
Highlighting India’s role in global energy markets, Misri said the country is one of the largest energy consumers and also helps stabilize global markets. India imports crude oil from dozens of countries, and actual sourcing decisions are made by oil companies based on market conditions, availability, cost, and logistics.
“These companies also follow internal accountability and fiduciary processes. National interests remain the ultimate guiding principle in our decisions,” Misri said.
Misri noted that India is heavily dependent on imported oil and gas, covering 80–85 percent of its needs. As a developing economy, the country must remain cautious about resource availability and the risk of energy-driven inflation.
Relations between New Delhi and Washington had previously strained after Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, including 25 percent on Russian crude imports. Following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, tariffs on Indian goods have now been reduced to 18 percent from 50 percent.
(With PTI Inputs)
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