Russia has clarified that India’s crude oil sourcing decisions remain a sovereign and market-driven choice, responding to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that New Delhi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Kremlin said India has always followed a diversified energy procurement strategy and that sourcing oil from multiple countries is a long-standing practice rather than a policy shift linked to any recent trade discussions.
Russian officials indicated that there has been no formal communication from the Indian side pointing to a complete withdrawal from Russian crude supplies. They also stressed that diversification of suppliers is a routine aspect of energy security planning for a large consumer like India.
Diversification Not a Diplomatic Signal
According to Moscow, India’s approach to buying crude oil reflects commercial realities such as price competitiveness, supply stability and refinery compatibility. Officials said this process has evolved over many years and should not be interpreted as a political signal against any one supplier.
India currently sources crude from a wide range of regions, including West Asia, Africa, Russia and the Americas, allowing refiners to manage costs and reduce exposure to disruptions in global oil markets.
Context Behind Trump’s Claim
President Trump had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to redirect India’s oil purchases toward the United States and possibly Venezuela under a trade understanding. However, no official confirmation has been issued by the Indian government or state-run oil companies supporting such an assertion.
Energy analysts point out that crude sourcing decisions involve complex logistics and long-term contracts, making abrupt shifts unlikely without formal policy announcements or commercial agreements.
India’s Energy Policy Remains Consistent
Indian authorities have repeatedly stated that the country’s priority is to ensure uninterrupted and affordable energy supplies. While India continues to explore new suppliers to strengthen energy security, it has avoided over-dependence on any single country.
Russia remains an important part of India’s oil import mix, though not the sole supplier. Moscow’s response suggests that it views India’s diversification efforts as a normal market practice rather than a move driven by geopolitical pressure.
As global energy trade faces growing uncertainty, India’s strategy appears focused on flexibility rather than alignment with any single bloc.