Misri Avoids Direct Reply To Trump, Says India’s Oil Choices Driven By National Interest

India has reiterated that its oil import decisions will be shaped by national priorities, even as questions persist over U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop buying Russian crude.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the issue without directly refuting the assertion, underlining that India's choices in energy sourcing are driven by long-term strategic considerations.

The comments come ahead of a briefing by the External Affairs Ministry to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, as the Opposition continues to press the government for clarity on trade and energy-related commitments.

National interest remains guiding principle

Speaking at a media briefing linked to the visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Misri emphasised that both government policy and business decisions are anchored in national priorities.

"What I can firmly and confidently say is that whether it is the government or indeed our business [sector], at the end of the day, national interests will be the guiding factor for us in our choices," Misri said.

He explained that India's energy policy balances "adequate availability, fair pricing, and reliability of supply", describing it as a complex decision-making process rather than a single-factor choice.

Misri also highlighted the importance of diversification. "Our approach is to maintain multiple sources of supply and diversify them as appropriate to ensure stability. Therefore, I would say that the more diversified we are in this area, the more secure we are," he added.

Trump's order and tariff rollback context

Misri did not directly respond to Trump's Executive Order issued on February 6, 2026, which rolled back punitive 25% tariffs on Indian imports while stating that India had already begun curbing purchases of Russian oil. The order also warned that the tariffs could be reimposed if such imports rise again.

In parallel, U.S. customs authorities issued updated operational guidance to implement the order. The advisory clarified that Indian products entering the U.S. from February 7, 2026, would no longer face the additional 25% ad valorem duty imposed earlier, although reciprocal tariffs under a separate executive order continue to apply to products not qualifying for exemptions. Importers were also advised on correcting entries already filed under the earlier tariff regime, signalling a formal shift in how Indian goods are treated at U.S. ports.

Russian oil imports show downward trend

Despite the absence of an official confirmation on any commitment, data points to a moderation in Russian oil inflows. Russia still supplies close to a quarter of India's crude imports, but sourcing patterns are changing.

India's purchases of Russian oil dropped to a 38-month low in December 2025. Reports indicate that major refiners such as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Reliance Industries have avoided placing advance orders for April, while India is expected to increase imports from other suppliers including the United States and Venezuela.

Opposition questions government's clarity

The government's reluctance to clearly confirm or deny Trump's claim has fuelled Opposition criticism, with leaders arguing that ambiguity over oil imports is linked to wider trade negotiations and domestic economic concerns.

"On the Russian oil issue and the India-U.S. trade deal - the Commerce Minister says, ask the External Affairs Minister, the External Affairs Minister says ask the Commerce Minister, and the Petroleum Minister is preoccupied with other issues," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post.

As India navigates global energy pressures and trade diplomacy, the government continues to project strategic autonomy, signalling that flexibility in sourcing will remain central to its energy security policy.