India will buy oil from where it gets 'the best deal' - envoy to Russia

India, a country with a population of 1. 4 billion, has been increasing its purchases of Russian oil since the war in Ukraine began. The main reason for this is that Russian oil is much cheaper than oil from other countries. Vinay Kumar, India's ambassador to Russia, recently stated that India will continue to buy oil from wherever it gets the best deal, in order to protect the interests of its people. This statement comes just days before the United States is set to impose heavy tariffs on India for buying Russian oil and weapons. President Trump announced these tariffs as a way to put economic pressure on Russia and try to end the war in Ukraine.

The US Vice-President, JD Vance, explained that the new tariffs are meant to use aggressive economic leverage against Russia. The US believes that India's purchase of Russian oil is helping to fund the war in Ukraine, but India denies this accusation. In fact, Russian oil now makes up about 35-40% of India's total oil imports, compared to just 3% in 2021. The increase in imports has also affected trade negotiations between India and the US. Vinay Kumar told Russia's TASS news agency that India's main priority is energy security for its population. He also said that the US decision to impose secondary tariffs is unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified.

India's Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, also commented on the situation, saying it is strange for a pro-business American administration to accuse others of doing business. He pointed out that the US has not imposed similar tariffs on China, which is the largest importer of Russian oil, or on the European Union, which still trades heavily with Russia. Jaishankar emphasized that India maintains strategic autonomy in its decision-making and will not be pressured by the US to reduce its oil imports from Russia.

India has friendly relations with both Ukraine and Russia. While it has called for a peaceful resolution to the war through dialogue and diplomacy, it has avoided publicly condemning Russia, despite pressure from Western countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ukraine in 2024 and expressed India's willingness to help restore peace. Ukraine's ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, said that President Zelensky may visit India soon, although the dates are not confirmed. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit India this year.

On Sunday, Vice-President Vance expressed confidence in President Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine. He said that Trump has made it clear that Russia can rejoin the world economy if it stops the war, but will remain isolated if it continues. India is trying to balance its need for affordable energy with its relationships with other countries, and hopes for a peaceful solution to the conflict.