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India Clarifies Russian Oil Stance, Prioritizes Energy Security Amid US Deal

The Ministry of External Affairs clarified India's position on energy imports following a US-India trade agreement framework. The MEA emphasized that diversifying energy sources based on market conditions is central to ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion people. This comes after the US revoked a 25% additional tariff on India related to Russian oil purchases. The two nations announced a framework for an interim trade agreement involving reciprocal tariff adjustments on various goods.

Key Points: India's Energy Strategy: Diversification Key Amid US Trade Framework

  • MEA clarifies position on Russian oil imports
  • Energy diversification central to India's strategy
  • US revokes 25% tariff after trade framework
  • Safeguarding energy needs is top priority
  • Bilateral agreement includes reciprocal tariff adjustments
2 min read

Energy diversification central to strategy amid evolving global, market dynamics: MEA on India's energy security

MEA states energy diversification is central to India's security strategy, following a US-India trade framework and the removal of reciprocal tariffs.

"Ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government - MEA Spokesperson"

New Delhi, February 7

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday clarified its position on the purchase of Russian Oil. This followed the US revoking the 25% additional tariff invoked on India for purchase of Russian Oil after concluding the announcement of a framework on a bilateral trade agreement.

In its statement the White House had said that India has "committed to stop directly or indirectly importing" oil from Russia, as per the framework of the bilateral trage agreement between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs specified that diversifying energy sourcing in line with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics remains central to India's strategy to ensure energy security for its population of 1.4 billion.

Responding to queries on India's energy security, the MEA spokesperson reiterated that safeguarding the country's energy needs is a top priority.

"Insofar as India's energy sourcing is concerned, the government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government," the spokesperson said.

The MEA further underlined that all decisions taken by India in the energy sector are driven by this overarching objective.

"Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this," the spokesperson said.

"All of India's actions are taken and will be taken with this in mind," he added.

The US and India announced in a joint statement that they have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal, mutually beneficial trade (the Interim Agreement) and have agreed on its terms.

According to the joint statement from the Ministry of Commerce and the White House, the US will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on goods originating in India, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery.

Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US will remove the reciprocal tariff on a wide range of goods identified in the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners Annex to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025 (Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements), as amended, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some clarity! The MEA statement makes sense. We need to buy oil from wherever we get the best deal. Our households and industries need affordable energy. The US framework seems to have benefits for our exports too, like textiles and gems.
R
Rohit P
While I support securing energy, the statement feels a bit vague. "Diversifying sourcing" is good, but what's the concrete plan? More investment in renewables? Strategic reserves? Hope there's a clear roadmap beyond just diplomatic language.
S
Sarah B
Interesting development. Balancing relationships with major powers while putting domestic needs first is a complex dance. The tariff adjustments on both sides show it's a negotiation, not a one-sided demand. Pragmatism over ideology.
V
Vikram M
Absolutely correct stance. The West can't have it both ways—asking us to reduce emissions and develop, then making energy expensive. We must use all options: Russian oil, Middle East, and our own resources. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Good that the 25% extra tariff is gone. That was unfair. But let's not forget the common man. Will petrol and diesel prices come down now? That's the real test of "energy security" for most families.

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