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Aug 25, 2025: Vinay Kumar, India's ambassador to Russia, stated that Indian companies will continue to purchase oil from wherever they obtain the "best deal." He also stated that New Delhi will continue to take measures to safeguard its "national interest." In an interview with Russia's state-run TASS news agency published on Sunday, Kumar said New Delhi's priority is ensuring energy security of the country's 1.4 billion people.

His comments come amid criticism from the United States regarding India's purchase of discounted Russian crude, which India has strongly rejected. Kumar stated, "Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal," stressing that trade takes place on a "commercial basis." So, that's how things are right now."

According to the report, he stated, "We have clearly stated that our objective is energy security for 1.4 billion people of India," adding that "India's cooperation with Russia, as well as that of a number of other countries, has helped to bring about stability in the oil market, global oil market." His remarks occur in light of the fact that the administration of Donald Trump has increased tariffs on Indian goods by a whopping 50%, including a 25% additional duty for India's purchase of Russian crude oil. The US has alleged that India's purchases of Russian crude oil are funding Moscow's war in Ukraine, a charge strongly rejected by India.

Kumar stated that the Indian government "will continue taking measures which will protect the national interest of the country," describing Washington's decision as "unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified." India has maintained that the national interest and market dynamics drive its energy procurement, including from Russia.

According to Kumar, the "overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India" is the basis for trade between India and Russia, which is based on mutual interests and market factors. He stated, "There are other countries that trade with Russia, including the United States itself and Europe." On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, responding to a question on the US criticism of India on the crude oil issue, said, “It's funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business.”

That really intrigues me. If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don't buy it. You won't be pressured to buy it. However, Europe and the United States buy, so if you don't like it, don't buy it,” he stated.