India Reviews U.S. Sanctions on Russian Oil Giants, Reaffirms Priority on Affordable Energy for Citizens
India has announced that it is carefully examining the consequences of the latest United States sanctions imposed on major Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
The government reiterated that its energy procurement strategy remains firmly anchored in ensuring reliable, cost-effective fuel supplies for its population of 1.4 billion.
Speaking at a media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the evolving geopolitical and market landscape is being closely monitored.
“We are currently evaluating the impact of the U.S. sanctions on these Russian oil firms. Our actions naturally reflect the changing realities of global energy markets,” Jaiswal said.
He underscored that India’s energy policy is fundamentally motivated by national interest and the need to maintain stable and affordable energy flows — independent of international political pressures or alliances.
“Our approach to sourcing energy is well-established,” he explained. “We remain committed to securing reasonably priced energy from a wide range of suppliers to protect the energy security needs of over 1.4 billion Indians.
Our choices are driven by national priorities, not geopolitical alignments.”
The U.S. administration recently placed Rosneft and Lukoil under punitive sanctions as part of a broader initiative to tighten economic restrictions on Russia amid its continued military campaign in Ukraine.
The announcement comes at a delicate moment in India–U.S. relations, following Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports as well as an additional 25% duty tied to New Delhi’s ongoing procurement of discounted Russian crude — measures the Indian government has called “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
Despite trade tensions, both countries continue to work on advancing a bilateral trade agreement. Jaiswal confirmed that discussions on the pact remain active following U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments in South Korea hinting at progress in negotiations.
“We are in continued contact with our American counterparts to finalize a trade arrangement. Talks are ongoing,” the spokesperson noted.
Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the margins of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on the trade deal and broader strategic matters.
Notwithstanding recent friction, Jaiswal highlighted that the United States has approved a six-month exemption for India’s involvement in the Chabahar port development, a strategic project crucial to India’s connectivity goals in the region.
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