India will continue sourcing oil based on its national interest and market-driven considerations, prioritising energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, has said. Speaking to Russia’s TASS news agency, he emphasised that Indian companies will buy crude “from wherever they get the best deal,” underscoring that trade is conducted strictly on commercial terms.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Washington’s criticism of India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude, which the US claims indirectly funds Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The Donald Trump administration has recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, further adding a 25 per cent duty on account of Russian crude imports. India has called the move “unfair, unreasonable and unjustified,” stressing that procurement decisions are shaped by national interest, not political pressure.

Kumar argued that India’s engagement with Russia, like with several other partners, contributes to global oil market stability. “Our objective is energy security of 1.4 billion people,” he said, pointing out that Europe and even the US continue to trade with Russia despite their criticism of New Delhi’s choices.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also hit back at American concerns, noting the irony of a pro-business US administration objecting to India’s energy trade. “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” he said, stressing that India would not be dictated to on matters of energy security.

India has consistently maintained that its energy procurement strategy is guided by affordability and availability. While the geopolitical climate has complicated oil diplomacy, New Delhi insists its stance is pragmatic: securing stable and cost-effective supplies in a volatile global market while safeguarding its economic and strategic interests.

India will continue sourcing oil based on its national interest and market-driven considerations, prioritising energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, has said. Speaking to Russia’s TASS news agency, he emphasised that Indian companies will buy crude “from wherever they get the best deal,” underscoring that trade is conducted strictly on commercial terms.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Washington’s criticism of India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude, which the US claims indirectly funds Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The Donald Trump administration has recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, further adding a 25 per cent duty on account of Russian crude imports. India has called the move “unfair, unreasonable and unjustified,” stressing that procurement decisions are shaped by national interest, not political pressure.

Kumar argued that India’s engagement with Russia, like with several other partners, contributes to global oil market stability. “Our objective is energy security of 1.4 billion people,” he said, pointing out that Europe and even the US continue to trade with Russia despite their criticism of New Delhi’s choices.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also hit back at American concerns, noting the irony of a pro-business US administration objecting to India’s energy trade. “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” he said, stressing that India would not be dictated to on matters of energy security.

India has consistently maintained that its energy procurement strategy is guided by affordability and availability. While the geopolitical climate has complicated oil diplomacy, New Delhi insists its stance is pragmatic: securing stable and cost-effective supplies in a volatile global market while safeguarding its economic and strategic interests.