India has firmly stated that it does not require permission from the United States or any other country to purchase crude oil from Russia, emphasizing its independent approach to energy policy. The declaration comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and rising global energy prices, as the conflict involving Iran has disrupted key shipping routes and unsettled international markets.

According to a statement released by the Indian government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB), New Delhi has maintained that its decisions regarding energy imports are guided strictly by national interests. The statement, cited by several Indian media outlets, reaffirmed that Russia remains India’s largest supplier of crude oil despite ongoing international pressure and sanctions targeting Moscow.

The clarification followed remarks from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who announced that Washington would grant India a temporary 30-day waiver to continue purchasing Russian crude oil. The measure was described as an effort to stabilize global energy markets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly as the confrontation with Iran continues to affect oil supply chains.

However, Indian officials responded by stressing that such waivers are unnecessary. “India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil,” the PIB said in its statement, as reported by NDTV. The government further noted that it would not rely on any short-term exemptions to maintain its energy supply. According to the statement, India’s oil procurement strategy has remained consistent even during earlier attempts by Washington to pressure New Delhi into reducing or halting purchases of Russian energy.

“India is still importing Russian oil even through February 2026, and Russia is still India’s largest crude oil supplier,” the statement added, highlighting the enduring nature of the trade relationship between the two countries.

India’s position reflects a broader strategy of maintaining strategic autonomy in foreign policy, particularly in matters related to energy security. Officials in New Delhi have repeatedly argued that decisions about oil imports are driven primarily by economic considerations, including affordability, availability, and long-term sustainability.

One government official told The Times of India that the US sanctions regime does not dictate India’s energy policy. Instead, the country evaluates suppliers based on practical factors that ensure stable energy access for its population and industries. Another official reportedly described the US statements regarding a waiver as “hollow slogans,” suggesting that India views such announcements as largely symbolic rather than necessary.

The issue has gained renewed attention amid turmoil in global energy markets triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Global oil prices have surged by more than 30 percent within a week as fears of supply disruptions intensify. The situation has been further aggravated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial maritime passage that connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.

The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass through the strait each day. Any disruption to this route can have immediate and far-reaching effects on global energy markets, causing sharp price increases and supply concerns for major importing nations.

For countries like India, which relies heavily on imported energy to fuel its rapidly growing economy, maintaining stable and diversified supply lines is critical. India is the world’s third-largest consumer of oil, and fluctuations in global prices can significantly impact inflation, industrial production, and economic growth.

Since 2022, India has substantially increased its imports of Russian oil. This shift began after Western countries imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. With many European buyers reducing or eliminating purchases of Russian crude, Moscow began offering oil at discounted prices to alternative markets, including India and China.

The discounted rates proved attractive for India, allowing the country to secure large volumes of crude oil at competitive prices. As a result, Russia rapidly became one of India’s primary energy suppliers. According to statements made by India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in July 2025, Russian oil accounted for nearly 40 percent of India’s total crude imports.

This dramatic shift reshaped India’s energy trade patterns. Prior to the Ukraine conflict, Russia played only a relatively minor role in India’s oil supply chain. However, the availability of discounted Russian crude, combined with India’s willingness to maintain independent diplomatic and economic ties, transformed the relationship into a major component of India’s energy strategy.

Despite criticism from Western governments, India has consistently defended its position by emphasizing that energy security is a fundamental national priority. Officials have argued that developing countries cannot afford to ignore affordable energy sources, particularly at a time when global markets are volatile.

The United States has repeatedly encouraged India to diversify its energy imports away from Russia. In some cases, Washington has suggested alternative suppliers. Last month, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor indicated that the White House had been using ongoing trade discussions to encourage New Delhi to increase purchases of Venezuelan oil instead of Russian supplies.

However, India has shown little indication that it intends to significantly alter its current approach. The government continues to stress that its policies are guided by pragmatic economic considerations rather than geopolitical alignments.

Adding to the debate, US President Donald Trump recently claimed that India had agreed to stop importing Russian oil. New Delhi has not confirmed any such commitment and has continued to emphasize its principle of strategic autonomy in international relations.

Analysts say India’s stance reflects a broader shift in global energy politics, where emerging economies are increasingly asserting their independence in trade and diplomatic decisions. For India, maintaining access to affordable energy supplies is essential for sustaining economic growth and supporting the needs of its population of more than 1.4 billion people.

As global tensions continue to affect oil markets, India’s policy of balancing geopolitical relationships while prioritizing national energy security is likely to remain a defining feature of its foreign and economic policy. The government’s latest statement underscores that, despite international pressure, New Delhi intends to make its energy decisions independently, based on what it considers best for the country’s long-term interests.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings