MEA reiterates consumer-first approach in India’s energy imports
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 16, 2025, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding the Indian consumer in a volatile global energy market. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s energy import policy prioritizes stabilising prices and securing reliable supplies, even as the country expands and diversifies its sourcing of petroleum products.
“India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective. Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions,” Mr. Jaiswal explained.
The MEA emphasis on diversification comes amid broader discussions about how India balances a growing demand for energy with geopolitical tensions and sanctions regimes that affect traditional suppliers. Officials stressed that diversification is not a reaction to any single market but a strategic, long-term effort to reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions and price shocks.
Context: Trump’s remarks and the evolving U.S.-India energy relationship
Trump’s remarks in Washington highlighted a tension that has persisted for years in U.S.-India energy conversations. The U.S. president claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would cut purchases of Russian crude oil, suggesting that such a move would gradually unfold. He described this as a process that has started, even if it cannot be accomplished immediately.
MEA spokesperson Jaiswal was quick to delineate India’s position from the public narrative surrounding Russia-related energy dealings. He noted that India has for many years sought to expand energy procurement from various sources, and that ongoing discussions with the current U.S. administration show an interest in deepening energy cooperation between the two nations.
India’s continued sourcing of petroleum products from Russia, even amid Western sanctions, has been a source of friction with Western capitals, including Washington. The MEA’s remarks signal an intention to keep market-based, pragmatic policies that balance immediate energy needs with long-term strategic aims.
What diversification means for India’s energy security
Experts say diversification helps India mitigate risks from supplier concentration, currency fluctuations, and policy shifts in any single market. By broad-basing imports, India can more readily respond to price signals and supply disruptions, ensuring steadier energy access for households and industries alike.
Beyond crude oil, the focus extends to a wider mix of petroleum products and refined fuels. This approach aligns with India’s broader energy resilience objectives, including the development of domestic refining capacity, regional energy trade partnerships, and investments in strategic storage and logistics.
Implications for regional and global energy markets
As Asia’s energy demand grows, India’s stance offers a model of pragmatic diplomacy: maintain robust ties with diverse suppliers while prioritizing consumer protection and price stability. The ongoing dialogue with the United States, alongside engagements with energy producers from the Middle East, Africa, and Eurasia, indicates a multilateral strategy aimed at securing reliable energy for a rapidly expanding economy.
For international allies and rivals alike, India’s message is clear: energy policy will be guided by domestic needs and market conditions, with diversification as a key tool to navigate sanctions, geopolitical shifts, and fluctuating global prices.
Conclusion: A resilient energy policy focused on the Indian consumer
As India continues to recalibrate its energy imports in response to global developments, the government’s priority remains steadfast: protect consumers, maintain stable prices, and secure supplies through diversification. The dialogue with the United States and other partners will likely persist as New Delhi pursues a pragmatic, market-driven path in its energy security strategy.
