India’s ongoing oil purchases from Russia have emerged as a key point of discussion on the international stage. At the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio created a stir by claiming that India had assured the United States it would continue buying Russian oil, even as Washington imposes new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy revenues.
Russia responded firmly to these assertions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clarified that India has never indicated it would halt oil imports from Russia. He emphasized that despite U.S. pressure, India continues to maintain its trade relations with Russia, highlighting the country’s independent approach to international dealings.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the issue with precision, reiterating that India’s foreign policy remains independent. He stressed that oil procurement decisions are guided not by politics alone, but by market prices, international risk factors, and the operational needs of Indian companies. Jaishankar also indicated that India will pursue opportunities to secure energy at favorable rates in line with national interest.
The situation reflects India’s careful balancing act between U.S. pressure and long-term strategic ties with Russia. By safeguarding its strategic autonomy, India continues to prioritize energy security while navigating complex global diplomatic and economic pressures.