Piyush Goyal Defends Russian Oil Amid US Tariff Threat
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has defended India’s continued purchases of Russian oil amid the threat of fresh US tariffs, saying India is a “self-respecting country” that will protect its national interests and energy security.
Goyal Defends India’s Russian Oil Purchases
Goyal said India’s energy policy is driven by the need to maintain reliable and affordable supplies for its population rather than by pressure from other countries.
He noted that Indian refineries were historically designed to process crude from suppliers in regions including the Middle East and Russia, making diversification of energy sources essential.
India also buys significant quantities of oil and gas from the United States and does not depend exclusively on any single supplier.
Minister Questions Selective Pressure on India
Goyal pointed to continued Western trade with Russia in other strategic sectors while India faces criticism over its crude purchases.
He noted that European countries continue to import Russian gas in various forms, while the United States has continued to procure Russian uranium for its nuclear energy sector.
His comments come as Washington considers additional punitive tariffs on countries that continue substantial energy trade with Russia.
India Says Energy Security Comes First
Goyal said the government had successfully protected consumers from major supply disruptions despite successive international conflicts and volatile global energy markets.
He highlighted measures including fuel-tax reductions during periods of high prices and substantial government support for fertiliser costs.
The minister said India intends to maintain a diversified energy strategy and will continue taking decisions based on domestic economic priorities and national interest.
