Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reaffirmed India’s position on importing crude oil from Russia, stating unequivocally that there are no international sanctions prohibiting such purchases. His comments come amid escalating pressure from the United States, which has imposed additional tariffs on Indian imports, citing concerns over India’s continued oil trade with Russia.
During a media interaction on Friday, Minister Puri emphasized that while price caps have been established for Russian oil, no sanctions exist that would prevent nations from purchasing it. He cautioned that disrupting supplies from Russia, the world’s second-largest oil producer, could lead to significant global economic consequences. “Energy is something you cannot do without… If you remove the second-largest producer, you will have to cut consumption. The consequences are pretty serious,” Puri remarked.
India’s imports of Russian crude have surged in recent years, driven by discounted prices amid Western sanctions on Russia. In 2024, India became the largest importer of Russian oil, surpassing China, and now accounts for approximately 35-40% of its oil imports from Russia. Despite this, Minister Puri reiterated India’s commitment to complying with international sanctions when imposed, citing past adherence to sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.
The United States has responded to India’s oil imports from Russia by imposing a 25% punitive tariff on Indian exports, including crude oil and arms. U.S. officials have linked the reduction of Russian oil imports to the progress of trade negotiations with India, suggesting that curbing such imports is essential for advancing the trade deal.
In defense of India’s energy strategy, Minister Puri pointed out that many countries, including China, Turkey, Japan, and members of the European Union, continue to purchase oil from Russia. He questioned the consistency of Western policies, noting that these nations are not facing similar sanctions despite their ongoing trade relations with Russia.
As global energy markets remain volatile, India’s stance on Russian oil imports underscores its strategic approach to energy security. The government continues to monitor international developments and engage in diplomatic efforts to balance its energy needs with its international obligations.
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