Vikram Misri responds on India Russian oil imports

India will continue to source energy from multiple countries and diversify supplies to protect stability and security, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday. He stressed that national interest will remain the central factor guiding all energy-related decisions. The remarks came amid speculation that India may end Russian crude imports under a proposed trade deal with the United States.

Misri said India, one of the world’s largest energy consumers, also plays a critical role in maintaining balance in global energy markets. He underlined that diversification strengthens energy security and reduces vulnerability to market shocks. According to him, importing from multiple sources allows India to manage risks and ensure reliable supply chains.

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India: national interest guides energy buys

Clarifying the government’s position, Misri said decisions on oil purchases depend on availability, pricing, logistics, reliability, and commercial assessments by oil companies. He added that both government policy and business choices ultimately align with the country’s broader national interest. Consumer welfare and protection from energy-driven inflation remain top priorities.

The clarification follows a recent executive order by US President Donald Trump, which linked the removal of a 25% tariff on Indian exports to New Delhi halting Russian oil imports. The issue had sparked political debate, with ministries deflecting responsibility. External affairs minister S Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal had earlier pointed to each other on the matter.

India: national interest guides oil imports

Misri noted that India imports nearly 85% of its energy and must ensure adequate supply at affordable prices. Global economic uncertainty, he said, has disrupted energy markets, making stability a shared international concern. India currently sources crude from dozens of countries and does not rely on any single supplier.

While India has increased energy purchases from the US, Misri’s remarks suggest there is no immediate plan to completely stop Russian oil imports. Russian crude, which once formed less than 1% of India’s oil basket, rose sharply after 2022 due to discounted prices. However, recent data shows its share has declined, reflecting India’s evolving and flexible energy strategy.

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