A day after the United States stepped up criticism of India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, the Indian government issued a measured response, reaffirming that national interest and global market dynamics drive its energy choices.
“In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the market and the prevailing global circumstance,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Friday evening.
The comment followed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that India’s Russian oil imports were “a point of irritation” in ties. His remarks came on the heels of President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% ‘reciprocal tariff’ on Indian imports, along with a separate penalty for India's energy and defense ties with Moscow.
Energy Security vs Diplomatic Pressure
The U.S. has repeatedly urged India to cut back on Russian energy purchases, saying the revenue supports Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump claimed that Russian oil accounted for 35% of India’s crude supply in the first half of 2025 and urged New Delhi to “buy from us instead.”
Rubio acknowledged India's surging demand—projected to exceed 6.6 million barrels per day by 2030—but maintained that discounted Russian oil is helping prolong the conflict in Ukraine.
Despite U.S. pressure, India’s position remains consistent. Officials argue that India, as a large oil importer, must prioritize affordability and access. “There is no political strategy to buy oil. There is a market strategy,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said last year.
Before the Ukraine conflict, Russian oil was rarely imported due to high freight costs. However, Western sanctions led Moscow to offer steep discounts. By 2023, India became the top buyer of seaborne Russian crude, importing 1.66 million barrels per day—more than double the previous year.
Trump’s tariff announcement came despite India’s February pledge to increase U.S. energy purchases. But Indian officials stress that the U.S. alone cannot meet the country’s vast needs. Major suppliers today include Russia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
In a surprising move, Trump also revealed an energy pact with Pakistan to develop its oil reserves—seen by some analysts as a strategic pressure tactic on India.
Despite rising friction over trade, defense, and energy, India has chosen not to retaliate for now, signaling a preference for preserving broader diplomatic stability.