India Says It Makes Its Own Decisions on Oil

India's foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, said at a meeting that India will decide for itself where to buy oil. He said the country looks at cost and what is available, not what other countries say. This is India's policy of strategic autonomy.
By Newsroom | India, Foreign Policy |

Global Stage Reaffirms Independent Stance

Recent statements by India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, at the Munich Security Conference, underscore a steadfast commitment to "strategic autonomy." This principle guides India's foreign policy, allowing it to make independent decisions regardless of external pressures. The minister's remarks come at a time when global energy markets are dynamic, and international relationships are shifting, particularly in the context of trade agreements and energy sourcing from Russia.

Background and Key Events

The present discussion centers on statements made by S. Jaishankar at the Munich Security Conference. These remarks addressed India's energy purchasing policies, specifically concerning Russian oil, and its broader foreign policy alignment.

India stays committed to strategic autonomy amid US trade deal and Russian oil concerns, says EAM S Jaishankar - 1

  • March 2026: S. Jaishankar speaks at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing India's commitment to strategic autonomy.

  • Recent Trade Understanding: A trade understanding between India and the US has been a focal point, with some interpretations suggesting it could influence India's energy imports.

  • US Claims on Russian Oil: Reports, attributed to Senator Mark Rubio, indicate that the US has secured a commitment from India to cease additional purchases of Russian oil following new sanctions.

  • India's Increased Russian Oil Imports: Since the conflict in Ukraine began, India has significantly increased its import of discounted Russian crude oil, which now accounts for approximately 35% of its total oil needs.

  • Tariff Reductions: Discussions have also referenced past tariff reductions imposed by the US on Indian goods, some of which were linked to India's oil purchases from Russia.

Evidence and Statements

Key statements from S. Jaishankar and other involved parties provide insight into the situation:

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"India wedded to strategic autonomy… India asserts its energy purchases will be based on costs, risks and availability, not political pressure, amidst US sanctions on Russian oil."– Article 1 (India Today)

"External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised India's commitment to strategic autonomy at the Munich Security Conference."– Article 1 (India Today)

"In our conversations with India, we've gotten their commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil."– Senator Mark Rubio (as reported in Article 1)

"External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar firmly defended the country's strategic autonomy when questioned on a recent US trade deal reportedly pushing India to cut Russian oil imports."– Article 2 (Zee News)

"India's energy choices based on ‘costs, risks and availability’."– S. Jaishankar (as reported in Article 3)

"Jaishankar described the global oil market as complex and dynamic, stressing that commercial considerations guide procurement decisions."– Article 4 (Times of India)

"India remains firmly committed to strategic autonomy, even as the global energy markets evolve and partnerships shift."– S. Jaishankar (as reported in Article 4)

"We’ll make independent choices."– S. Jaishankar (as reported in Article 5)

"India keeps the option of making independent decisions, without always agreeing with its partners in the West."– S. Jaishankar (as reported in Article 6 & 7)

"India has not yet confirmed or denied Washington's claim that it has committed to stopping the procurement of Russian crude oil."– Article 7 (The New Indian Express)

Divergent Perspectives on India-US Trade and Oil

The recent trade understanding between India and the United States has become a focal point, with differing interpretations regarding its impact on India's energy policy and its adherence to strategic autonomy.

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India stays committed to strategic autonomy amid US trade deal and Russian oil concerns, says EAM S Jaishankar - 2

India's Stance: Strategic Autonomy and Independent Choices

S. Jaishankar has consistently highlighted India's unwavering commitment to strategic autonomy. His statements suggest that energy purchasing decisions are guided by India's national interests, focusing on economic factors like cost, risk, and availability.

  • Core Principle: India will continue to make its own decisions on energy imports, prioritizing national benefit.

  • Market Complexity: The global oil market is acknowledged as intricate, with procurement driven by commercial considerations.

  • Independent Decision-Making: India reserves the right to make independent choices, even if they do not align with all its partners.

US Perspective: Commitment to Halt Additional Russian Oil

Reports from the US, notably from Senator Mark Rubio, suggest a commitment from India to reduce or halt additional oil purchases from Russia. This interpretation frames the recent trade deal as having influenced India's energy sourcing strategy.

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  • Reported Assurance: The US claims to have received India's assurance regarding a cessation of additional Russian oil procurement.

  • Link to Sanctions: This alleged commitment is presented in the context of new US sanctions against Russia's energy sector.

  • Trade Deal Implication: The trade understanding is seen by some in the US as a factor in this purported shift in India's purchasing behavior.

Analysis of India's Energy Procurement

India's approach to energy sourcing, particularly its increased reliance on Russian oil since early 2022, is a significant aspect of its foreign policy. The current situation presents a complex interplay of economic benefits and geopolitical considerations.

  • Increased Russian Oil Imports: India has significantly increased its imports of Russian crude oil, benefiting from discounted prices. This now constitutes a substantial portion of its energy needs.

  • Commercial Rationale: India's energy procurement is explicitly stated to be driven by commercial considerations, including cost, risk assessment, and availability.

  • Shifting Market Dynamics: Global energy markets are constantly evolving, and countries, including India, are continuously re-evaluating their partnerships and supply chains.

Expert Insights

While the provided data does not include direct quotes from independent experts commenting on this specific situation, the context provided by the reports suggests an ongoing discussion about balancing national interests with international expectations.

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India stays committed to strategic autonomy amid US trade deal and Russian oil concerns, says EAM S Jaishankar - 4

Conclusion and Future Considerations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphatically reaffirmed India's dedication to strategic autonomy, particularly in the face of questions surrounding its energy imports from Russia and a recent trade understanding with the United States. India maintains that its energy procurement decisions are based on pragmatic factors such as cost, risk, and availability, and are not dictated by external political pressure.

The US has publicly stated that it has received a commitment from India to cease additional purchases of Russian oil. However, India has not officially confirmed or denied this specific claim. This discrepancy highlights the nuances in international communication and the differing perspectives on bilateral discussions.

The situation suggests that India is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, seeking to maintain its independent foreign policy while engaging with global partners on trade and security. The principle of strategic autonomy remains a guiding force in its decision-making, particularly concerning critical resources like energy. Future developments will likely involve observing how India balances its energy needs, its economic interests, and its diplomatic relationships with various global powers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'strategic autonomy' mean for India?
It means India can make its own choices about foreign policy and important matters, like buying oil, without being told what to do by other countries.
Q: Is India still buying oil from Russia?
India has been buying more oil from Russia because it is cheaper. The minister said India buys oil based on cost and what is available.
Q: Did the US ask India to stop buying Russian oil?
Some reports say the US believes India agreed to buy less extra oil from Russia. India has not said yes or no to this specific claim.