Govt Denies Reports of Halting Russian Oil Imports, Cites National Interest

Government sources on Saturday dismissed reports that state-run Indian oil companies have halted crude purchases from Russia, reaffirming that the nation’s energy import decisions are guided solely by market dynamics and national interest. The clarification came a day after US President Donald Trump welcomed the now-disputed reports, calling the alleged halt a “good step.”

“The government’s position was made clear yesterday (Friday) that the country’s energy purchases were driven by market forces and national interests and that they had no reports of Indian oil firms halting Russian imports,” sources stated. This contradicts earlier reports that major state refiners like Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum had stopped seeking Russian crude in the past week amid growing US pressure.

Speaking on the issue, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s consistent stance. “On the specific question of energy, you are well aware of our position… It is based on what is there on offer in the markets and also on the prevailing global situation,” he said. India remains the largest seaborne buyer of Russian crude oil.

The government’s denial adds another layer to the complex diplomatic and trade situation between New Delhi and Washington. The initial reports of the import halt were seen as a potential concession by India following Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian goods, which he partly justified by citing India’s energy ties with Moscow.

While dismissing the oil import claims, the government has continued to defend its relationship with Russia as a “steady and time-tested partnership,” while also expressing confidence that its strategic ties with the US will move forward despite the current trade friction