India puts consumers first in oil import policy
The statement follows Trump’s claim that Modi assured him India would halt purchases of Russian oil.
India Emphasizes Consumer Interests Amid Global Oil Dynamics
India has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the interests of its consumers in the face of complex global energy dynamics, a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, said on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The statement comes hours after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would halt purchases of Russian crude oil, a comment that has stirred fresh attention on India’s energy policies.
In a detailed clarification, Mr. Jaiswal explained that India is pursuing a broad-based and diversified approach to sourcing petroleum products to ensure that domestic energy needs are met amid volatile global markets. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective,” he said. “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.”
India’s approach reflects a careful balancing act. The country’s energy consumption is vast and growing, with millions of households and industries depending on uninterrupted access to fuel. Any disruption in imports or sudden spikes in prices could have immediate and widespread economic consequences. By diversifying sourcing, India aims to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions, sanctions, or global market fluctuations, thereby protecting both consumers and the economy.
Mr. Jaiswal also highlighted India’s long-standing interest in deepening energy cooperation with the United States. “Where the U.S. is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. Discussions are ongoing,” he said. These remarks underscore India’s efforts to maintain strategic energy partnerships with multiple countries, ensuring that its energy security does not rely solely on any single source.
India’s continued procurement of Russian petroleum products, despite Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, has frequently been a point of contention in New Delhi-Washington relations. While some Western nations have urged India to reduce or stop purchases of Russian crude, India has maintained that its decisions are guided by national interest and market realities, rather than political pressure. The MEA statement reflects this stance, emphasizing that consumer protection and energy stability remain the primary objectives, rather than alignment with external expectations.
Observers note that India’s strategy is pragmatic and long-term, reflecting the country’s need to navigate a complex global energy landscape. By sourcing oil and gas from multiple countries, including the U.S., Russia, the Middle East, and other regions, India can buffer itself from shocks, negotiate competitive prices, and ensure continuous supply for its citizens. This broad-based sourcing strategy also allows India to leverage diplomatic and trade relationships effectively, while maintaining flexibility in a highly dynamic global market.
Experts say India’s messaging serves two purposes: first, to reassure domestic consumers that the government is focused on affordable and secure energy supply, and second, to signal to international partners that India’s energy policy is autonomous, rational, and guided by long-term national interests rather than short-term political considerations.
As global energy markets remain unpredictable, India’s policy of broad-based and diversified sourcing reflects a careful balance of domestic needs, international diplomacy, and economic strategy. While discussions with the U.S. and other energy producers continue, India remains firm on its stance: consumer protection, stable prices, and secured energy supply are the twin pillars guiding its petroleum import policies.
By emphasizing these priorities, India is signaling to the world that its energy strategy will continue to be shaped by pragmatism, market realities, and the welfare of its citizens, even amid pressure from powerful international actors.