New Delhi: India’s decision to continue importing Russian crude is driven by its own energy requirements and national interests, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov has said, as Western pressure over the trade continues to grow.
Speaking to DD News, Alipov rejected the argument that India’s Russian oil purchases are intended to financially support Moscow amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He said New Delhi is buying crude to meet its energy requirements and support the development and welfare of its population.
The ambassador’s comments come at a time when the United States and other Western nations are pushing for tougher measures against countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
Russia Criticises Western Pressure
Alipov also criticised sanctions and proposed tariffs aimed at countries importing Russian oil. According to him, Western countries are relying on economic pressure rather than trying to compete with Russia by offering India more attractive oil deals.
He questioned why countries opposing India’s Russian oil purchases could not offer New Delhi a better commercial alternative.
The Russian envoy said Moscow remains ready to supply India with the quantity of crude it requires and maintained that Russian oil would continue to play an important role in global energy markets.
Alipov also expressed confidence that India would continue to safeguard its national interests despite external pressure.
Why Russian Oil Matters To India
India has repeatedly maintained that its energy purchases are guided by factors such as national interest, affordability and energy security. Russian crude became increasingly important for Indian refiners after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, particularly because discounted Russian supplies offered an attractive option in a volatile global energy market.
However, Indian imports of Russian crude have fluctuated in recent months. After reaching record levels in June and July, imports declined sharply in August, although Russia remained India’s largest source of crude during the month.
Jaishankar: Oil Purchases Won’t End The War
The issue has also featured in External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent comments. During his visit to Kyiv, Jaishankar argued that the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved simply by pressuring countries over their purchases of oil and other commodities.
He stressed that the conflict ultimately requires dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations.
India has also highlighted the enormous challenge of ensuring affordable and reliable energy supplies for its population of around 1.4 billion people.
US Pressure Over Russian Crude
Washington has been pushing for stronger economic measures against Russia, with proposed legislation potentially allowing steep tariffs on imports from major buyers of Russian crude or natural gas.
The argument from the US and its allies is that revenue from energy exports helps sustain Russia’s economy and, consequently, its ability to continue military operations in Ukraine.
New Delhi, however, has consistently defended its right to make energy purchases based on its national requirements.
The latest remarks from Alipov underline the growing geopolitical significance of India’s Russian oil trade, with New Delhi attempting to balance its energy interests and longstanding relationship with Moscow while navigating pressure from Western countries.
