Oil Minister Puri declares India's ability to obtain oil from alternative sources, should importation from Russia be subjected to sanctions.
Published on July 17, 2025
India is gearing up to address the potential consequences of upcoming US sanctions on Russian oil, gas, and uranium imports. The South Asian nation, which currently depends on Russia for approximately 35% of its overall oil supplies, is taking proactive measures to safeguard its economy and energy security.
Hardeep Puri, the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in India, has been vocal about the country's strategy. He stated that India can meet its energy requirements from alternative sources if Russian supplies are impacted by secondary sanctions. Puri also emphasized India's increasing exploration and production activities, as well as its diversification of sources from approximately 27 countries to around 40 countries.
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, a bipartisan Bill introduced in the US Congress, proposes tariffs as high as 500% on countries, including India and China, that continue to purchase Russian energy resources. This move has sparked opposition from India, which views it as a case of "double standards." India argues that while it faces scrutiny, some European countries continue importing Russian gas without similar sanctions, creating geopolitical inconsistencies.
India's oil imports from Russia have been on the rise, with private refiners Reliance Industries Ltd and Nayara Energy accounting for about half of the overall purchases from Moscow. However, India has been diligently working to diversify its energy sources, with new suppliers such as Guyana emerging in the market.
The potential impact of US secondary sanctions on India's oil imports from Russia remains unclear. There is a risk that these sanctions could deter shipping firms, insurers, and companies from facilitating India-Russia oil trade, forcing Indian refiners like Indian Oil Corporation to renegotiate contracts with Russian firms such as Rosneft.
In response, India is focusing on three key areas: energy security, strategic autonomy, and diplomatic engagement. Energy security is critical for India, as disruption of Russian supplies could increase import bills and inflation. Strategic autonomy is another concern, as India asserts its right to make independent foreign policy decisions free from external coercion or pressure. Lastly, India is calling on the global community to recognize its sovereign right to ensure energy security without discriminatory sanctions measures.
Despite these challenges, Puri has expressed confidence that India can reduce fuel prices if crude oil prices remain at current levels for the next two to three months. He also affirmed that if something happens, India will deal with it, showing a steadfast resolve in maintaining its energy security.
[1] "India Prepares to Mitigate Impact of US Sanctions on Russian Energy Imports." The Hindu, July 17, 2025. [2] "India's Energy Security at Risk as US Sanctions on Russian Energy Imports Loom." The Economic Times, July 17, 2025. [3] "Lessons from the Past: India's Experience with Secondary Sanctions." The Diplomat, July 17, 2025. [4] "India Calls for Global Recognition of Its Sovereign Right to Energy Security." The Times of India, July 17, 2025.
- To counter potential consequences of US sanctions on Russian oil, gas, and uranium imports, India is implementing proactive measures to safeguard its economy and energy security.
- The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, introduced in the US Congress, proposes tariffs as high as 500% on countries like India and China that still purchase Russian energy resources.
- Hardeep Puri, India's Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that India can meet its energy requirements from alternative sources if Russian supplies are impacted by secondary sanctions.
- India's oil imports from Russia have been rising, with private refiners Reliance Industries Ltd and Nayara Energy accounting for about half of the overall purchases from Moscow.
- In response to US secondary sanctions, India is focusing on three key areas: energy security, strategic autonomy, and diplomatic engagement.
- The potential impact of US secondary sanctions on India's oil imports from Russia could deter shipping firms, insurers, and companies, forcing Indian refiners to renegotiate contracts with Russian firms such as Rosneft.
