India has firmly stated that it does not require permission from the United States or any other country to purchase crude oil from Russia, emphasizing its independent approach to energy policy. The declaration comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and rising global energy prices, as the conflict involving Iran has disrupted key shipping routes and unsettled international markets.

According to a statement released by the Indian government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB), New Delhi has maintained that its decisions regarding energy imports are guided strictly by national interests. The statement, cited by several Indian media outlets, reaffirmed that Russia remains India’s largest supplier of crude oil despite ongoing international pressure and sanctions targeting Moscow.

The clarification followed remarks from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who announced that Washington would grant India a temporary 30-day waiver to continue purchasing Russian crude oil. The measure was described as an effort to stabilize global energy markets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly as the confrontation with Iran continues to affect oil supply chains.

However, Indian officials responded by stressing that such waivers are unnecessary. “India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil,” the PIB said in its statement, as reported by NDTV. The government further noted that it would not rely on any short-term exemptions to maintain its energy supply. According to the statement, India’s oil procurement strategy has remained consistent even during earlier attempts by Washington to pressure New Delhi into reducing or halting purchases of Russian energy.

“India is still importing Russian oil even........

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