India Reaffirms Diversified Energy Strategy Amid Russian Oil Debate
Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, said New Delhi will continue maintaining multiple sources of energy supply to ensure consumers receive adequate energy at the right price through reliable and secure channels. Speaking at a media briefing, he stressed that India’s energy policy is guided by availability, affordability, and supply stability, underscoring that the country does not rely on any single crude oil source and does not intend to do so in the future.
His remarks came in response to questions about India’s purchase of Russian oil after U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that India had committed to halting direct or indirect imports from Russia. Misri clarified that India’s decisions are based on objective market conditions and national interest, with both the government and energy companies working to safeguard domestic consumer needs through a balanced sourcing approach.
The development follows Trump’s executive order lifting a previously imposed 25% tariff on Indian imports linked to Russian oil purchases. Meanwhile, the Kremlin indicated that India’s stance on diversifying energy supplies was not new. Recent reports have also noted a dip in India’s Russian oil imports in January, as refiners explored alternative supplies amid Western sanctions pressure and ongoing U.S.–India trade discussions.
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