Indian Companies to Purchase Oil from Most Profitable Sources, Says Russia Envoy

India will continue buying oil from sources offering the “best deal,” regardless of US tariff hikes on Indian goods, New Delhi’s envoy to Moscow said.

Speaking to Russian news agency TASS, India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, criticised Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian imports, describing it as “unfair, unreasonable and unjustified.” He added that the tariff increase is a penalty undermining the principles of fair trade.

“Our objective is the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” Kumar said. “India’s cooperation with Russia, as well as several other countries, has helped bring stability to the global oil market.”

The envoy stressed that India’s energy policy is driven by domestic needs rather than external political pressure. “The government will continue taking measures to protect the national interest,” he said. “Trade takes place on a commercial basis, so if Indian companies find the best deal elsewhere, they will continue purchasing from those sources.”

India has defended its oil imports from Russia, arguing that access to affordable energy is vital for economic stability. Kumar noted that other countries, including the US and European nations, also maintain trade with Russia. “Our trade is based on market factors and aimed at ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion Indians,” he added.

The ambassador’s remarks echoed those of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who earlier called the US tariff increase “unjustified and unreasonable” and affirmed that India would not compromise the interests of its farmers and small producers.

On the issue of payments, Kumar said India and Russia have a stable system for trade settlements in their national currencies. “There is no problem now in payment for oil imports,” he stated, noting that this arrangement, developed after Western sanctions on Russia’s banking system, has allowed energy trade to grow significantly.

While Indian oil imports from Russia have surged, India’s exports to Russia remain relatively modest. The envoy emphasised that India’s approach to energy procurement will remain commercially driven and focused on national interest.