Amid rising tensions between India and the United States over energy trade, India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, has made it clear that New Delhi will continue purchasing oil from wherever it gets the “best deal.” He stressed that India’s priority is to secure affordable and reliable energy for its citizens.
The statement comes after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Indian goods. He first levied 25% tariffs and then doubled them to 50%. The move came with several reasons, one of them being India’s continued oil imports from Russia during its conflict with Ukraine.
India has strongly objected to the US decision. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called the move “unjustified and unreasonable.”
India Defends Energy Policy
Speaking to the Russian news agency TASS on Sunday, Ambassador Vinay Kumar said India’s energy policy is guided by its national interest.
“First of all, we have clearly stated that our objective is energy security of 1.4 billion people of India, and India’s cooperation with Russia, as of several other countries, has helped to bring about stability in the oil market, global oil market. So the US decision is unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified,” he said.
He added that New Delhi will take all necessary measures to protect its energy needs. “Now the government will continue taking measures which will protect the national interest of the country,” Kumar said.
Oil Trade on Commercial Basis
The envoy stressed that India’s oil imports are based on market logic. Indian companies will continue to buy oil where they find the most favorable prices.
ALSO READ: Israeli Airstrikes Rock Yemen’s Sanaa After Houthi Missile Fired at Israel | Watch
“Trade takes place on a commercial basis, adding that if the basis of commercial transaction trade imports are right, Indian companies will continue buying from where they get the best deal. So that’s what the current situation is,” Kumar said.
US and Europe Also Trade with Russia
Kumar pointed out that India is not the only country doing business with Russia. The US and European nations also continue trade with Moscow despite the war.
“Our trade is based on market factors and done with the overall object of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” he said.
Focus on National Interest
India has repeatedly said that its foreign and economic policies are aimed at securing the needs of its population. With a growing energy demand, officials argue that India cannot afford disruptions in oil supplies.
The envoy’s statement shows that India will not bow to external pressure when it comes to its energy policy. Instead, it will act in line with its national interest and continue exploring opportunities for the best deals in global markets.
ALSO READ: Pakistani Woman Found in Bihar Voter List After 70 Years, Inquiry Ordered
