India’s envoy to Russia, Vinay Kumar, stated that Indian companies will continue to purchase oil from whichever country offers the “best deal.”
His comments were made in an interview with the Russian news agency TASS and come amid criticism from the U.S. regarding India’s increased purchase of discounted Russian crude oil.
Kumar emphasized that India’s priority is to ensure the energy security of its 1.4 billion people and that its trade with Russia is based on “commercial interests.” He pointed out that India’s cooperation with Russia, along with other countries, has helped stabilize the global oil market.
The diplomat called the U.S. decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% surcharge related to Russian oil, “unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified.” He stated that the Indian government would continue to act in its national interest.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also weighed in on the issue, expressing confusion over the U.S. stance. “It’s funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business,” he said. He added that if the U.S. has a problem with India’s refined products, it is not forced to buy them, noting that both Europe and the U.S. also engage in similar trade with Russia.
