“Never Depended On Permission”: India On Trump’s 30-Day Russian Oil Waiver

As tensions rise along the Strait of Hormuz route because to the Iran-US-Israel war, the Center stated on Saturday that India continues to purchase crude oil from any source giving the most competitive prices.

Despite the disruptions, India’s electricity sources are safe, according to the government.

“Despite rising tensions on the Hormuz Route, India’s energy supply remains secure and stable. India has diversified its crude oil sources from 27 to 40 countries, ensuring multiple alternative supply routes. In the national interest, India purchases oil from wherever the most competitive and affordable rates are available,” the Centre said in a statement. 

India also confirmed on Saturday that it is continuing to import Russian oil following a temporary waiver granted by the United States. The waiver was issued because of the war in the Middle East. The Centre has said that New Delhi does not require permission from any country to make such purchases.

“India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil,” the Centre said. “India is still importing Russian oil even in February 2026, and Russia is still India’s largest crude oil supplier. For three years of the Russia-Ukraine war, India kept buying Russian oil despite US and EU objections. Imports increased significantly after 2022 due to discounted prices and refinery demand.”

The Center claims that India’s supply network and reserves contain about 250 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products. This creates a buffer that lasts for seven or eight weeks. At 258 million metric tons annually, India’s overall refining capacity surpasses the country’s present domestic consumption. Oil prices have skyrocketed due to the disruption of international energy flows and shipping routes caused by the US-Israel military efforts against Iran and Tehran’s retaliation strikes around the Gulf.

In order to allow India to purchase Russian oil that was already put into ships at sea, the United States temporarily relaxed sanctions against Russia on Thursday.

“Suggesting a short-term waiver ‘enables’ these purchases overlooks that the trade has continued consistently. India is a net exporter of refined products to the world – a position that reinforces, not undermines, its energy security,” the Centre said. 

Earlier, in February, Washington had removed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports as part of an interim trade agreement. The US administration had claimed the move followed a “commitment” by India to stop buying Russian oil. No such commitment appears in the joint statement issued at the time, and the Indian government has neither confirmed nor denied the claim. 

Global oil prices rose 8.5 per cent on Friday and had gained almost 30 per cent over the previous week. The surge followed comments by US President Donald Trump that only the “unconditional surrender” of Iran would bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East.