Russian oil India news: India has reiterated its focus on consumer interests in the energy sector, following comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the country’s purchase of Russian crude oil. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified India’s stance on Thursday, October 16, 2025, emphasizing that the nation’s energy procurement policies are designed to ensure stable supplies and fair prices for its citizens.
MEA Highlights India’s Energy Priorities
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective. Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions.”
This statement comes hours after President Trump mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia. While the U.S. expects a complete halt, the MEA clarified that India continues to focus on meeting domestic market needs first, balancing energy security with global relations.
Diversification and Broad-Basing Energy Sources
India has steadily expanded its energy sourcing over the past decade, including increasing imports from the United States. Mr. Jaiswal highlighted that ongoing discussions with the current U.S. administration reflect a mutual interest in deepening energy cooperation. However, India continues to diversify its sources to ensure reliable energy supply for its rapidly growing economy.
“Where the U.S. is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade. The current administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing,” he added.
By broad-basing energy sourcing, India can respond flexibly to market conditions, price fluctuations, and geopolitical changes without compromising domestic supply. This strategy reflects India’s long-term approach to energy security while protecting consumers from sudden price spikes.
Western Sanctions and Continuing Russian Oil Purchases
India’s continued purchase of petroleum products from Russia has drawn international attention, especially amid Western sanctions against Russia. While this has become a sensitive issue in diplomatic discussions, India maintains that its priority remains securing affordable energy for its population.
In Washington, President Trump stated that Prime Minister Modi assured him there would be no future oil purchases from Russia. He added that India may not be able to stop immediately due to logistical and contractual reasons, but the process to reduce Russian oil imports has started.
“It [process] has started. He can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon,” President Trump said.
Balancing Energy Security with International Relations
India’s energy policy demonstrates a delicate balance between meeting domestic needs and maintaining international partnerships. As one of the world’s largest energy consumers, India cannot rely solely on a single supplier or source. Diversifying imports helps India mitigate risks related to geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and global market volatility.
The MEA’s statement underscores that while India values its international relationships, the welfare of Indian consumers remains paramount. Stable energy prices are essential not only for households but also for industries that drive economic growth and employment.
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Looking Ahead: Strategic Energy Cooperation
India’s engagement with multiple energy partners, including the U.S., Russia, and Middle Eastern countries, shows a pragmatic approach to securing long-term energy stability. Discussions with the U.S. on expanding energy procurement are ongoing, but India continues to maintain a strategic balance, ensuring that no abrupt changes compromise its domestic market or energy security.
Analysts say that India’s energy policy is designed to navigate global complexities while safeguarding economic and social stability. By broad-basing energy imports and diversifying sources, India positions itself as a resilient energy consumer capable of handling international pressure without affecting domestic supply.
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Conclusion: Russian oil India news
The recent exchange between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi has brought global attention to India’s oil import strategy. While U.S. expectations focus on reducing Russian oil imports, India emphasizes that energy policies are ultimately driven by domestic needs and market conditions.
As the situation evolves, India’s approach reflects careful planning and pragmatic decision-making, keeping the welfare of its citizens and the stability of its energy sector as top priorities. The country’s continued engagement with multiple energy partners highlights a balanced, forward-looking strategy that prioritizes both consumer interests and international cooperation.
