19 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Russian Foreign Ministry has said it sees no reason to believe that India will alter its position on importing Russian oil, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and Western efforts to curb Moscow’s energy revenues. The statement reinforces the view that energy cooperation between India and Russia remains stable and mutually beneficial.
Responding to questions about India’s future energy strategy, Russian officials emphasised that New Delhi continues to make decisions based on its national interests, particularly energy security and economic stability.
Russia Confident About India’s Position
A spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said there are currently no signals suggesting a change in India’s approach toward purchasing Russian crude oil. The official added that cooperation in the energy sector has grown steadily and is based on market principles rather than political considerations.
“India has consistently taken a pragmatic and sovereign approach to energy procurement,” the spokesperson said, noting that Russian oil supplies have played an important role in meeting India’s growing fuel demand.
Energy Trade Amid Global Pressure
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russian energy exports, urging major economies to reduce dependence on Russian oil. However, India has maintained that it will continue to buy oil from wherever it finds it at competitive prices, provided it aligns with international regulations.
Indian officials have repeatedly stated that ensuring affordable energy for its population of over 1.4 billion people is a top priority. Discounted Russian crude has helped Indian refiners manage inflationary pressures and stabilise domestic fuel markets.
A Growing Energy Partnership
India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude in recent years. What was once a marginal trade relationship has transformed into a significant energy partnership, with Russian oil accounting for a substantial share of India’s imports.
Russian officials say this shift reflects not only price competitiveness but also logistical adjustments and long-term commercial agreements between companies in both countries.
India’s Consistent Stand
New Delhi has consistently rejected criticism over its oil purchases, arguing that energy imports are a matter of national interest and not ideology. Indian policymakers have also pointed out that many countries continue to indirectly import Russian energy through refined products, even while criticising others for direct purchases.
The Russian Foreign Ministry echoed this position, stating that India has shown “strategic clarity” in balancing global expectations with domestic priorities.
Impact on Global Oil Markets
India’s continued purchase of Russian oil has also influenced global energy flows. By absorbing large volumes of discounted crude, Indian refiners have helped stabilise supply chains disrupted by sanctions and geopolitical uncertainty.
Refined petroleum products from India are exported to multiple regions, contributing to overall market stability. Analysts note that this interconnected system makes it difficult to isolate energy trade purely along political lines.
Western Reactions and Diplomacy
While Western governments have encouraged India to diversify its energy sources, they have also acknowledged India’s unique economic and developmental needs. Diplomatic engagements have focused more on price caps and compliance mechanisms rather than outright bans.
Russia, for its part, has expressed appreciation for India’s independent foreign policy and refusal to succumb to external pressure.
Looking Ahead
Energy experts believe India is likely to continue its diversified sourcing strategy, which includes suppliers from the Middle East, Russia, Africa, and the United States. Russian oil, however, is expected to remain an important component as long as it offers economic advantages.
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement signals confidence that India will not abruptly change course, reinforcing the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.
As global energy markets remain volatile, India’s approach underscores a broader trend among emerging economies: prioritising affordability, availability, and national interest over geopolitical alignment.
Summary
Russia’s Foreign Ministry says there is no indication India will change its stance on buying Russian oil, stressing that New Delhi continues to follow a pragmatic, national-interest-driven energy policy.