New Delhi affirms its right to import Russian crude, asserting independence from external directives, even as global energy markets writhe under the pressure of escalating conflict in West Asia. This stance comes following a temporary U.S. easing of sanctions, enabling the sale of Russian oil previously stranded at sea. However, Indian officials explicitly state that such purchases are not contingent on Washington's assent.
Asserting Autonomy
The Indian government's Press Information Bureau issued a statement on Saturday, March 7, 2026, emphasizing that the nation "has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil." This declaration underscores New Delhi's insistence on its sovereign prerogative in energy procurement. The statement further clarified that India is not reliant on any "short-term waiver" for these transactions, distancing its policy from temporary U.S. sanctions adjustments.
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Market Disruptions and Procurement Strategies
This firm declaration occurs against a backdrop of significant global energy market disruption. The protracted 'U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran' and subsequent 'Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region' have destabilized energy and transport sectors, precipitating a notable surge in global oil prices.
In this volatile environment, Indian refiners, including entities like Reliance Industries, are actively seeking to acquire 'prompt Russian oil cargoes'. This surge in interest is corroborated by sources indicating that state refiners such as Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd are in discussions with traders for immediate delivery of Russian crude. Previously, HPCL and MRPL had received Russian oil as recently as November.
Western Pressure and Broader Context
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri previously affirmed on Friday that India would "continue importing crude oil from Russia despite global pressures." He pointed out that existing sanctions primarily involve 'price caps' rather than outright bans. Minister Puri also highlighted that several European nations, Turkey, and Japan continue to source Russian oil, questioning the rationale behind singling out India. He projected that oil prices might hover between USD 65-68 per barrel, influenced by global supply and demand dynamics, while acknowledging the potential for "pretty serious" consequences arising from the geopolitical situation.
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Historically, India's energy security has been deeply tied to imports, with the country being the world's second-largest buyer of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and sourcing over 90 percent of its supply from the Middle East. The current scenario, marked by conflict and subsequent sanctions, presents a complex challenge for maintaining energy stability. In November 2025, ahead of a U.S. sanctions deadline, Indian refiners were reportedly considering boosting Russian crude imports to meet festival demand and optimize refinery operations. This period also saw discussions about securing alternative supplies from North America, Africa, and South America.