Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri publicly stated India’s energy policy is driven purely by national interest and that sanctions threats will not change India’s crude sourcing decisions amid pressure over Russian oil purchases.
Puri’s remarks addressed international pressure to reduce purchases of Russian oil following geopolitical sanctions regimes Western allies enforce. India has expanded imports of discounted Russian barrels to contain domestic fuel prices for consumers and industry.
The petroleum minister said affordability and supply security for India’s growing economy outweigh external diplomatic preferences when contracts are negotiated with multiple exporters across the Middle East, Africa, and Eurasia.
Critics abroad argue Indian buying undermines sanction effectiveness; New Delhi counters that global markets remain interconnected and that developing nations cannot absorb sudden price shocks without social instability at the pump.
Puri reaffirmed the stance during parliamentary and media appearances emphasizing sovereignty over import mix. Policy continuity appears likely barring dramatic changes in global price spreads or shipping insurance availability for tankers.
Hardeep Singh Puri said India will not alter crude sourcing because of sanctions pressure, insisting energy decisions follow national interest alone rather than alignment with any single bloc’s enforcement priorities.
Puri told audiences India would keep buying crude where prices and logistics serve consumers, rejecting claims that external sanctions pressure should dictate refinery import decisions.
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Sources:
https://www.newsonair.gov.in/bulletins-detail/evening-news-452