Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has pushed back against claims from Washington that a newly announced trade understanding has altered the country’s oil import decisions, stressing that national interest will continue to guide energy policy and that no external agreement dictates sourcing choices.Speaking after President Donald Trump said a US-led trade deal had prompted a halt to crude purchases from Russia, Misri made it clear that the country’s approach to energy security remains unchanged. He underlined that decisions on oil imports are driven by three core considerations: adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply. These factors, he said, have consistently shaped policy choices and will continue to do so irrespective of diplomatic developments.
Trump’s remarks, delivered while outlining the contours of the trade arrangement with New Delhi, suggested that curbs on Russian oil imports formed part of a broader economic and strategic realignment. The statement quickly drew attention given the scale of purchases from Russia since 2022, when discounted barrels became a significant component of the import mix amid global supply disruptions and price volatility.
Misri’s response sought to dispel the impression that energy policy had been reshaped overnight. He noted that the country does not enter into commitments that compromise its ability to secure affordable energy for consumers and industry. Energy procurement, he said, is assessed continuously against market conditions, logistics, insurance constraints and geopolitical risks, rather than being bound to any single supplier or bloc.
The clarification comes at a time when global oil markets remain sensitive to geopolitical signals. Russia has emerged as one of the largest suppliers over the past two years, largely because of price advantages and flexible shipping arrangements. Refiners have adjusted blends to take advantage of these supplies, boosting margins and helping to cushion domestic fuel prices despite international volatility.
At the same time, the country continues to buy crude from a wide range of producers in West Asia, the United States, Africa and Latin America. Officials have repeatedly emphasised diversification as a strategic goal, aimed at reducing exposure to shocks arising from conflict, sanctions or production cuts. Misri’s comments reinforced that this strategy remains intact.
Energy analysts note that while diplomatic messaging around trade deals often highlights strategic convergence, actual procurement decisions rest with refiners operating within commercial and regulatory frameworks. Long-term contracts, spot market opportunities and shipping economics all play a role. A sudden cessation of Russian imports, they say, would have significant cost implications and require rapid adjustments in supply chains.
The foreign secretary’s remarks also reflect a broader effort to assert policy autonomy amid intensifying geopolitical competition. As major powers seek to align trade, technology and energy flows with strategic objectives, New Delhi has consistently maintained that it will not subordinate core economic interests to external pressure. This stance has been evident in its approach to energy, defence procurement and trade negotiations.
Officials familiar with the discussions said there has been no formal communication committing the country to stop buying Russian crude as part of the trade understanding with the United States. They added that any change in sourcing patterns would be gradual and market-driven, rather than the result of political announcements.
Misri’s emphasis on affordability and reliability resonates domestically, where energy costs have a direct bearing on inflation, fiscal balances and industrial competitiveness. With demand projected to rise steadily over the coming decade, securing diverse and cost-effective supplies remains a central policy challenge.