New Delhi: India has firmly responded to the United States’ announcement of a 30-day temporary waiver allowing Indian refineries to import oil from Russia. The Indian government made it clear that the country has never depended on any foreign permission to buy Russian oil, and it will not do so in the future.
According to a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the US waiver is not an “approval” but a short-term technical measure aimed at addressing global energy uncertainty and stabilizing international oil supplies. India reiterated that its decision to import Russian oil is based entirely on national interest and energy security.
Last week, the US had announced the 30-day exemption in view of uncertainties in global oil markets. Indian refineries were temporarily allowed to import crude oil from Russia. However, the Indian government clarified that this waiver would not influence its long-term oil import decisions.
The government also highlighted that India currently has a stock of over 250 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products, ensuring resilience against any short-term supply disruptions. As of February 2026, Russia remains India’s largest supplier of crude oil.
The waiver has drawn reactions from political circles as well. While the Congress party described it as a potential threat to India’s strategic autonomy, the BJP hailed it as a success of the Prime Minister’s strategic diplomacy.
India has reiterated that its energy policies are sovereign and independent, and decisions regarding oil imports are not based on any foreign approval.