No US Pressure on India to Cut Russian Oil Imports, Says Hardeep Puri

Speaking at an event, Puri said he had not experienced any such pressure. He also noted that supplies from the Middle East had been increasing as producers in the region could ship more crude to international markets.

“I never felt anything,” the minister said when asked about pressure from the US over India’s Russian oil purchases.

India adjusts crude imports based on pricing

Puri recalled that Russia accounted for just 0.2 per cent of India’s oil imports before the Russia-Ukraine war. Purchases increased significantly after the conflict began, as discounted Russian crude became attractive to Indian refiners.

He said imports from Russia had subsequently declined as refiners increasingly purchased crude from Gulf suppliers offering competitive prices.

The minister emphasised that the decision to buy oil from a particular source depended on commercial considerations, including the relative pricing of different crude grades.

“Ultimately, every decision is anchored in self-interest,” he said.

Ship-tracking data has indicated that India’s imports of Middle Eastern crude rose sharply in September, returning to levels seen before the war. At the same time, refiners reduced purchases of Russian oil amid stronger competition from China and increased availability of Gulf supplies.

US sanctions and tariff concerns

India’s Russian oil purchases have drawn international attention amid Western sanctions and trade tensions following the invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier in October, US President Donald Trump invoked national-interest provisions to waive fresh sanctions, restrictions and duties on Russian energy exports under a law enacted the previous month. The move provided India relief from the prospect of tariffs of up to 100 per cent, according to the report.

The evolving US policy environment has added another dimension to India’s efforts to balance access to competitively priced energy with its broader trade and diplomatic relationships.

Energy security remains a priority

In September, Puri said India had navigated supply-chain disruptions arising from geopolitical crises while maintaining steady energy imports, attributing the outcome to the country’s energy diplomacy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Energy security today is not simply about securing supplies; it is also about navigating conflicts, chokepoints, volatile prices and sudden disruptions while keeping the country and its economy on the move,” the minister had said.

Puri has also highlighted India’s growing importance in the global energy market, stating that nearly one-fourth of the world’s growth in energy demand over the next two decades is expected to come from the country.

India’s approach to crude procurement continues to reflect the need to balance affordability, supply reliability and geopolitical risks. The latest comments underline the government’s position that sourcing decisions are guided by national interests and changing market conditions.