New Delhi: India has clarified that its oil import policy is not focused on any single country, including Russia, amid speculation following remarks by US President Donald Trump on shifting energy purchases under a new trade framework.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India’s approach to energy sourcing is guided purely by consumer interest, affordability, and supply security, stressing that decisions are made by oil companies based on global market conditions, not political commitments.

“India is a net importer in the oil and gas sector. We are a developing economy; we have to be conscious about our resource availability. Naturally, when you are dependent to the extent of 80–85% on an imported resource, you have to have concerns about the possibility of inflation driven by energy costs...Our foremost priority is to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers insofar as energy is concerned—to really ensure that they receive adequate energy at the right price and through reliable and secure supplies,” Misri said at a Ministry of External Affairs briefing. He added that India neither depends on nor intends to depend on any single supplier, and that sourcing decisions vary with availability, risk, and cost.

No country-specific commitment

Misri’s remarks make it clear that India has not committed to buying oil from Russia or stopping purchases from any country. Instead, the government’s policy is to maintain a diversified energy basket to ensure stability and protect the economy from global energy shocks.

Oil companies decide purchases

The foreign secretary also highlighted that India’s oil imports are decided by public and private sector oil companies, which evaluate market risks, pricing, and supply conditions before finalising deals.

With global energy markets facing uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions, officials said India will continue adjusting its sourcing mix as needed, keeping energy security and inflation control at the centre of policy decisions.