NEW DELHI: Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said that India was not under any pressure to stop buying Russian oil.During an interaction at the 29th Energy Technology and Innovation Meet, Puri said Indian refiners would purchase crude from suppliers offering the most competitive prices as the country prioritises energy security amid global market uncertainties.“I have never felt any pressure,” Puri said during the interaction at the 29th Energy Technology and Innovation Meet, which began here on Tuesday.“India was not particularly buying Russian oil at present, but the decisions in this regard were guided by commercial considerations rather than pressure from any country,” he added.“At the point of negotiation, whoever is supplying a particular grade, we will buy from them. Prices come down sometimes,” he further said.Puri also said India had diversified its energy investments and sourcing, adding that New Delhi’s approach was guided by the need to ensure reliable supplies while managing costs for consumers and the broader economy.“India had diversified its energy investments and sourcing,” the minister said.“India, as a major energy-consuming nation, could not compromise on its energy security amid geopolitical developments and volatility in international markets,” he added.Puri’s remarks come days after US secretary of state Marco Rubio visited India against the backdrop of US’ Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act meant to penalise countries purchasing Russian oil and Trump’s subsequent suspension temporarily of related tariffs.
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Rubio also said US was in discussions with Reliance Industries on creating capacity to refine Venezuelan crude, calling India a refining superpower and underlining that Washington understood India’s need to diversify its oil imports and saw Venezuela as a potential source of supply.Rubio said New Delhi had repeatedly expressed its desire to diversify its energy portfolio, describing it as a sensible strategy.“In the end, it’s not just about Russian oil; it’s about their desire to diversify,” he said, adding US was keen to be a source of energy supplies for India.
