New Delhi: India has reaffirmed its decision to continue importing crude oil from Russia, asserting that its energy policies are guided solely by national interest and not dependent on external approvals. The statement came after the United States issued a temporary sanctions waiver allowing Russian oil shipments currently stranded at sea to be sold to Indian buyers.
The waiver, announced on Thursday by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, was introduced amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing U.S.–Israeli military campaign against Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the Gulf have disrupted global energy markets, triggering a sharp increase in crude oil prices worldwide.
Responding to the development, India’s Press Information Bureau clarified that the country’s energy procurement decisions are independent. In an official statement, the government emphasized that India has never relied on permission from any nation to purchase Russian oil and continues to do so. According to the statement, Russia remains India’s largest supplier of crude oil as of February 2026.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration had rolled back a 25 percent tariff on Indian exports as part of an interim trade agreement reached in February. The move was reportedly linked to what U.S. officials described as India’s commitment to halt Russian oil purchases. However, the alleged pledge was not included in the joint statement issued after the agreement, and the Indian government has neither confirmed nor denied such a commitment.
Meanwhile, India has reassured markets about its energy security, stating that it remains well-stocked with more than 250 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products to handle any short-term supply disruptions.
Global oil markets have remained volatile, with crude prices surging by 8.5 percent on Friday and nearly 30 percent over the week after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that only the “unconditional surrender” of Iran would bring an end to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also indicated that Washington is considering the possibility of easing sanctions on additional Russian oil shipments, a move that could further influence global energy trade dynamics.
