India will continue buying oil where it gets best deal, says envoy to Russia

Indian companies will continue to purchase oil from wherever they can secure the "best deal," India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, has asserted, emphasising that the country will pursue policies that protect its "national interest."

In an interview with Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, published on Sunday, Kumar reaffirmed that India's primary focus remains the energy security of its 1.4 billion citizens. His comments come amid increasing US criticism of India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude, a position India has strongly rejected.

Stressing that trade operates on a "commercial basis," Kumar said, "Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal. That’s the reality of the current situation." He further added, "Our objective is clear: ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion people. India's cooperation with Russia, along with several other nations, has contributed to stability in the global oil market."

Kumar's remarks follow the Donald Trump administration's decision to double tariffs on Indian goods, including imposing an additional 25 per cent duty on India's purchase of Russian crude oil. The US has alleged that India’s Russian oil purchases are indirectly funding Moscow's war in Ukraine, an accusation that India has firmly rejected.

Describing Washington's actions as "unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified," Kumar emphasised that India will continue taking measures to protect its national interest. He added, "Energy procurement, including from Russia, is driven by national interest and market dynamics."

Kumar also pointed out that trade between India and Russia is based on mutual interests and market conditions, with the overarching aim of safeguarding the energy security of India’s population. “There are other countries, including the US and several European nations, also trading with Russia," Kumar said.

On Saturday, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, responded sharply to US criticism of India’s oil imports from Russia, saying, “It’s curious that people working for a pro-business American administration are accusing others of doing business."

“If you have a problem with buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. No one is forcing you. But Europe buys, America buys, so if you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” he added.
(With PTI inputs)