The Indian government has reiterated that it does not need permission from any country to purchase Russian oil, stressing that energy imports are guided by national interest and competitive pricing despite global tensions.
The Centre has reiterated that it does not require permission from any country to purchase crude oil
New Delhi: The Centre on Saturday has reiterated that it does not require permission from any country to purchase crude oil, including supplies from Russia. Officials emphasised that India’s energy decisions are based on national interest and economic considerations.
The statement comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has disrupted shipping routes and oil supplies in the Gulf region.
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According to the government, India has continued importing Russian crude even during the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War. Despite objections from Western nations in earlier phases of the conflict, New Delhi maintained its purchase of Russian oil due to favourable pricing and growing domestic refinery demand.
Officials noted that Russia remains India’s largest supplier of crude oil. Imports from the country increased significantly after 2022 when discounted oil became available in international markets.
The government also pointed out that discussions about a temporary waiver by the United States should not be seen as enabling the trade, as India has consistently maintained its oil imports from Russia for several years.
The Centre highlighted that India has significantly diversified its crude oil sourcing over the years. The country now imports oil from around 40 nations compared to 27 suppliers earlier, reducing dependence on any single region.
Officials said this diversification strategy ensures greater stability in supply even during global disruptions.
India currently holds more than 250 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products across strategic reserves and supply chains. According to the government, these reserves are sufficient to cover roughly seven to eight weeks of national consumption if supply disruptions occur.
The country also has a refining capacity of around 258 million metric tonnes per year, which exceeds domestic demand.
Recent military developments in West Asia have added pressure to global energy markets. The conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial shipping routes for oil, has triggered concerns over supply disruptions and rising crude prices.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government said its diversified sourcing strategy and strong refining capacity ensure that the country’s energy needs remain secure.
