India Defends Russian Oil Amid U.S. Tariffs and Western Pressure

India is defending its continued purchases of discounted Russian crude even as it faces new U.S. tariffs and Western pressure to reduce energy ties with Moscow. In a series of public remarks and high-level engagements, New Delhi argues that buying Russian oil serves national energy security, helps stabilise global markets, and reflects a broader, more autonomous approach to diplomacy and trade.

An Indian official described the purchases as aligned with India’s strategic autonomy and national interest, noting that India imports roughly a third to a little more than a third of its oil from Russia at times when global energy markets have needed stability. The official emphasised that India’s energy decisions are driven by affordability and reliability, while also acknowledging that the country has expanded its own energy ties with the United States and other partners. In parallel, another Indian representative stressed that Europe and the United States themselves have buyers of Russian oil, underscoring what they described as a double standard in how different countries are treated.

From Moscow, Russian officials publicly affirmed their intention to maintain energy cooperation with...