Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said India took advantage of discounted Russian crude oil without hesitation, arguing that buying cheaper energy was in the country’s national interest despite discussions about pressure from Western countries.
Puri made the remarks on 27 October 2026 at the 29th Energy Technology and Innovation Meet in Goa. He said India had not felt pressure from the United States over its Russian oil purchases and that decisions were being taken on the basis of national interest and prices.
Speaking about the price cap imposed by Western countries on Russian oil, Puri said the arrangement created an opportunity for India to buy crude at lower prices. He used a Hindi expression to describe his commercial approach to energy procurement, saying he was a Sikh outwardly but acted like a “bania” in energy matters, referring to a focus on buying at the best available price.
Puri also recounted a conversation with an American collaborator named Amos. According to the minister, Amos told him that there was no objection to India buying oil from Russia, but advised India to purchase it at lower prices. Puri said the advice reinforced India’s decision to pursue discounted crude rather than buy more expensive supplies.
The minister said India had never felt pressure from the United States regarding oil purchases. “I have never felt pressure, and I do not think my bosses take pressure either,” he said, according to the report. Puri also said it was in the US interest for energy prices to remain low around the world.
India’s purchases of Russian crude increased sharply after discounts became available. Before the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian oil accounted for only 0.2 per cent of India’s oil imports, according to Puri’s remarks reported by Aaj Tak Business. The report said Indian refiners are now increasing purchases from other sources, including the Middle East, depending on prices and availability.
The procurement choices have implications beyond international diplomacy. Crude prices influence the cost of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, freight and other energy-intensive activities, although the supplied report does not specify any immediate change in domestic fuel prices following Puri’s remarks.
Puri’s comments come as discussions continue over whether India should reduce its purchases of Russian oil. The minister maintained that India’s approach remains commercial and guided by energy security, price and supply considerations. He did not announce a new import target or policy change at the Goa event.
