Munich, February 15: The United States has repeatedly claimed that India has ceased purchasing oil from Russia. In response, India has made it clear that its energy decisions will be based on availability, pricing, and risk, while ensuring its strategic autonomy.
Recently, India and the U.S. reached a provisional trade agreement. Following this, U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that India agreed to halt additional imports of Russian crude.
Addressing the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar dismissed claims that the recent India-U.S. trade agreement undermines India’s long-standing commitment to strategic autonomy.
Rubio had stated that following the latest U.S. ban on Russian energy exports, Washington received assurances from India that it would refrain from purchasing more Russian oil.
During the conference, the Russian news agency TASS quoted Rubio, saying, “The U.S. has imposed additional bans on Russian oil. In our discussions with India, we received a commitment to stop purchasing extra Russian oil. Europe has taken steps to move forward.”
Earlier this month, Trump claimed, “India has agreed to stop buying oil from Russia and to purchase more from the U.S.”
However, EAM Jaishankar clarified that India’s foreign policy will remain rooted in its ability to make independent decisions. He stated, “We are deeply connected to strategic autonomy as it is a crucial part of our history and development. This is something profound, extending beyond political boundaries.”
Specifically referencing energy provisions, the minister described the global oil market as complex. He noted, “In terms of energy, it is indeed a complex market today. Oil companies in India, like those in Europe and perhaps other parts of the world, consider availability, pricing, and risk when making decisions that they believe serve their best interests.”
When directly asked if India would cease oil purchases from Russia under the trade agreement’s terms, Jaishankar responded, “If your question implies whether I will think independently and make decisions that may not align with your views, then yes, that could happen.”
So far, India has neither officially confirmed nor denied Washington’s claims regarding a commitment to halt additional imports of Russian crude oil.
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