India Will Buy Oil Based on ‘Best Deal’, Says Indian Envoy to Russia Amid US Criticism

Moscow : India will continue purchasing oil from wherever it gets the “best deal,” according to Vinay Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Russia. In an interview with Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, Kumar emphasized that New Delhi’s primary concern is securing energy for the country’s 1.4 billion citizens. His comments come amidst growing criticism from the United States regarding India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil.

Kumar underscored that India’s oil procurement decisions are guided by the goal of ensuring energy security and are not influenced by political pressures. “Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal. So that’s what the current situation is,” he said. He added that India’s energy cooperation with Russia and other countries has contributed to stabilizing the global oil market.

India has firmly rejected accusations that its purchases of Russian oil are funding Russia’s war in Ukraine. The U.S. has criticized India’s oil imports, accusing it of indirectly supporting Moscow. India, in turn, has dismissed these allegations, describing the U.S.’s stance as “unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified.”

In response to rising tensions, Kumar noted that global trade, including energy trade, happens on a “commercial basis” and that many other countries, including the U.S. and several European nations, also continue trading with Russia. “Our objective is the energy security of 1.4 billion people in India,” Kumar stated, further emphasizing that India’s energy decisions are based on national interest and market realities.

US Tariffs on Indian Goods and the Energy Debate:
The United States, under the administration of Donald Trump, had imposed higher tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% additional duty on India’s purchase of Russian crude. In response, India remains firm in its stance that its oil purchases are driven by market dynamics and the need to secure energy at affordable prices.

Kumar reaffirmed that India’s government will continue to take measures that prioritize the country’s national interest and energy needs. He also pointed out that the global oil market is affected by factors beyond India’s control and that energy security is a key concern for nations worldwide.

On Saturday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to U.S. criticism, humorously pointing out the irony of the U.S., a “pro-business” country, criticizing India for engaging in oil trade. He remarked, “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it. But Europe buys, America buys, so you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”