Diversifying energy sourcing: MEA Jaishankar on Trump’s ‘India not to buy Russian oil’ claim

“Our critical mineral cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Expect engagement on strategic issues, defence and energy in the coming days. Overall, a strong momentum is evident,” he said.

In Delhi, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to questions on the US President’s statements about Russian oil imports, said, “Insofar as India’s energy sourcing is concerned, the government has stated publicly on several occasions ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is supreme priority of government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this.”

While Jaiswal did not spell out the stoppage of Russian oil imports, the formulation to “diversify energy sourcing” in view of “objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics” is a thinly-veiled reference to looking at alternatives to Russia like the US and Venezuela.

Asked about Venezuelan oil, he said, “Venezuela has been a long-standing partner of India in energy sector encompassing trade and investments. The country was among India’s major sources of crude oil until FY 2019-20, which were discontinued following sanctions. Imports from Venezuela resumed in FY 2023-24, before being halted again due to the re-imposition of sanctions. Indian PSUs have had a partnership with Venezuela’s National Oil Company, PdVSA and have been maintaining a presence in Venezuela since 2008.”