Indian ambassador: We will continue buying Russian oil

India will keep purchasing oil wherever it secures the “best deal” in order to safeguard the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people, the country’s ambassador to Russia said Sunday.

The statement from Ambassador Vinay Kumar comes just days before President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on India are set to take effect, including a 25% penalty tied to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil and weapons. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the secondary tariffs are intended to apply “aggressive economic leverage” on Moscow to force an end to the war in Ukraine.

Since the invasion began, India has sharply increased its imports of discounted Russian crude, which now makes up 35–40% of its oil supply—up from just 3% in 2021. Washington argues these purchases help finance Russia’s war, a claim India rejects.

Speaking to Russia’s TASS news agency, Kumar said India’s decisions are driven by market realities, stressing that energy security remains the government’s top priority. He described Trump’s tariff policy as “unfair, unreasonable and unjustified.” His remarks followed a forceful defense from Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who said it was “funny” for a pro-business American administration to criticize India for trading with Russia while avoiding similar penalties on China or the EU, both of which continue extensive commerce with Moscow.

India has maintained strategic autonomy, insisting it will not bow to U.S. pressure on oil purchases. While it has avoided condemning Russia, New Delhi has called for a “peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ukraine in 2024, pledging India’s support in efforts to restore peace.

Meanwhile, diplomatic exchanges continue: Ukraine’s ambassador to India said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may visit New Delhi soon, though dates are not yet confirmed. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to travel to India later this year.