Saturday, March 29, 2025
India Will Buy Oil From Where It Gets the Best Deal: Indian Envoy
India’s oil purchases have become a global talking point, with the United States voicing displeasure over New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude. However, India has made its stance clear: it will buy oil based on its own interests and from whichever country offers the best deal.
Reinforcing this position, India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, stated that Indian companies will continue sourcing crude from suppliers offering competitive terms. He also criticized Washington’s move to impose a 25% additional tariff on India for buying Russian oil, calling it “unjustified and unfair.”
Speaking to Russian news agency TASS, Kumar said, “Our priority is to secure energy needs for 1.4 billion Indians. Despite the 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration, the government will not compromise on national interest. India will always safeguard its people’s welfare.”
He added that India, in partnership with Russia and other countries, aims to contribute to stability in global oil markets. “The tariff or penalty imposed by the U.S. is not only unreasonable but also completely wrong. Our government will not hesitate to take any step necessary to protect national security and energy interests,” Kumar emphasized.
Highlighting that international trade is driven by competitive pricing and economic conditions, Kumar said Indian oil companies will continue to purchase from wherever the best deals are available. He noted that India-Russia trade is built on mutual understanding and shared sentiments, going beyond market calculations.
This statement comes at a time when the U.S. has increased tariffs on India’s Russian oil imports to 50%. India has previously slammed Washington’s decision as a “double standard,” pointing out that China, Europe, and even the U.S. itself continue trading with Moscow.
Just days earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s position, saying that New Delhi will not compromise on its trade policy, farmers’ interests, or sovereignty. “The government will do whatever is necessary to protect these interests,” he affirmed.
