India remains steadfast in its decision to buy Russian crude oil despite mounting US pressure and existing sanctions, highlighting its strategic focus on energy security and balanced foreign policy amidst evolving global tensions.
India will continue buying Russian crude despite mounting pressure from Washington, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said at a parliamentary advisory committee meeting, underscoring how deeply energy security has become tied to New Delhi’s broader foreign policy. According to the discussion reported by TV9 Hindi and reinforced by coverage in the Economic Times, Jaishankar told lawmakers that India’s relationship with Moscow remains important across trade, investment, energy, connectivity, culture and people-to-people ties.
The meeting came as the United States weighs tougher measures against countries that import Russian oil, including the possibility of sharply higher tariffs. TV9 Hindi reported that lawmakers questioned the impact such steps could have on India-Russia trade and on the country’s fuel supply. Jaishankar’s position echoed earlier remarks reported by the Economic Times and The Times of India, where he argued that the war in Ukraine cannot be resolved by deciding whether to buy or not buy oil, and that only dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation can end the conflict.
India’s reliance on Russian crude has risen sharply since the start of the war in Ukraine. TV9 Hindi said Russian oil now makes up about half of India’s crude imports, while the Council on Foreign Relations has reported that the share has climbed from below 1% to more than 35% as Western sanctions reshaped global supply routes. The same broad trend has pushed India to defend its purchases as a matter of national interest and energy security, even as the White House has signalled frustration with the trade.
Jaishankar also pointed to the wider global contradiction in energy policy, with TV9 Hindi noting that European countries continue to import some Russian energy despite the conflict. On X, he said India had highlighted its “multifaceted engagement” with Russia and its support for “dialogue & diplomacy to end the Ukraine conflict”. Reuters has previously reported that India has sought to preserve strategic flexibility by maintaining ties with both Moscow and Washington, rather than choosing one side outright.
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