India Defends Oil Purchases Amid U.S. Pressure, Cites Consumer Interests
New Delhi – November 22, 2025, 07:20:53 IST – India has reaffirmed its commitment to securing affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens, effectively rebuffing indirect pressure from the United States to curtail purchases of Russian oil. The stance, articulated by government officials this week, follows recent discussions with the Trump administration regarding potential sanctions related to continued trade with Russia. India maintains its policy prioritizes “defending our consumers first and foremost,” signaling a willingness to navigate geopolitical complexities to ensure energy security.
The situation arises as the U.S. seeks to tighten the noose on russia’s energy revenues following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Western nations have largely phased out Russian oil imports, India has considerably increased its purchases, becoming a key market for Moscow. This has led to scrutiny from Washington, which has publicly and privately urged India to reduce its reliance on Russian energy. The stakes are high: india’s economic growth is heavily dependent on affordable energy, and a sudden disruption to oil supplies could have cascading effects on its economy and population. The outcome of these diplomatic exchanges will likely shape India’s energy policy for the foreseeable future and test the limits of its strategic autonomy.
According to data from the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India imported approximately 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) of russian oil in October 2025, up from virtually zero before the Ukraine conflict.This represents roughly 20% of India’s total oil imports. The discounted prices offered by Russia - often $20-30 per barrel below Brent crude – have been a significant draw for India, allowing it to mitigate the impact of rising global energy costs.
Sources within the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that during recent conversations with U.S. representatives, Indian officials emphasized the nation’s unique energy needs and its responsibility to provide affordable fuel to its citizens. “We have explained our position clearly,” one official stated, speaking on condition of anonymity. “India’s energy security is paramount,and we will continue to explore all available options to meet our growing demands.”
the U.S. State Department has acknowledged the discussions but refrained from commenting directly on India’s position. A spokesperson reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to working with allies and partners to reduce Russia’s energy revenues, but also acknowledged India’s sovereign right to make its own decisions. The situation remains fluid, with further diplomatic engagements expected in the coming weeks.
