New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated that India’s oil import strategy will be guided by national interests, underlining the country’s commitment to securing energy at fair prices and from reliable sources, even as questions swirl over comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about India’s crude oil purchases.
Addressing the media in New Delhi on Monday, Misri said India will continue to maintain and diversify its sources of crude oil to ensure steady and secure supplies, emphasising that neither the government nor Indian companies are dependent on a single supplier. “National interests will be the guiding factor for us in our choices for energy procurement,” he said, highlighting adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply as the core drivers of India’s energy policy.
His remarks came after Trump, while announcing an interim trade framework with India, claimed that New Delhi had agreed to “stop directly or indirectly” importing oil from Russia, comments that sparked confusion and diplomatic clarifications. Misri did not directly confirm Trump’s claim, instead focusing on India’s long-standing policy of sourcing crude based on market conditions, cost, logistics and the broader interests of Indian consumers.
India imports about 80–85% of its energy needs and sources crude from dozens of countries, the foreign secretary noted, saying the mix of sources naturally varies over time based on global market realities. Decisions on actual purchases are made by oil companies, he added, with an eye on availability, risks, costs and internal fiduciary responsibilities.
The clarification follows Trump’s executive order last week that rolled back punitive tariffs previously imposed on Indian imports, including levies tied to Russian crude, as part of a broader effort to finalise a trade deal. Under the US move, the tariffs will be monitored and could be reimposed if India’s crude import patterns change.
India’s emphasis remains on energy security and strategic autonomy, even as it explores diversified supplies including from the United States, Venezuela and other markets. Government officials have consistently stated that any decisions on oil sourcing will be based on India’s internal priorities rather than external pressure, and will aim to protect the interests of its 1.4 billion consumers.
BI Bureau
