India will buy oil “from wherever it gets the best deal,” says envoy amid US tariff pressure

India will continue to purchase oil "from wherever it gets the best deal," stated India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, in an interview with the Russian news agency TASS on Aug 24. His comments come amid escalating pressure from the United States over India’s ongoing imports of discounted Russian crude.

Kumar emphasized that India’s energy strategy is grounded in commercial considerations and national interest, not political pressure. He highlighted the need to ensure energy security for India’s 1.4 billion citizens and noted that trade with Russia has contributed to global oil market stability.

“Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal,” he said. The US has sharply criticized these imports, alleging they indirectly support Russia’s military efforts. Kumar rejected such claims.

In response to the mounting trade tensions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the US tariff hike on Indian goods as “unjustified and unreasonable.”

When questioned about the criticism, he remarked: "If you don't like it, don't buy it," underscoring India’s stance that energy decisions are sovereign and not subject to external diktats.

India’s position unfolds against a backdrop of deteriorating US–India relations. The Trump administration has imposed a total of 50% tariffs on Indian exports — combining a 25% reciprocal duty and an additional 25% penalty linked to Indian oil imports from Russia.

India’s strategy reflects a broader emphasis on strategic autonomy in its international trade policy. Officials continue to reject the notion that favorable oil procurement constitutes support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, instead emphasizing India’s imperative of affordable energy access and its longstanding ties with Moscow.