Procurement of Russian Crude Oil Not India-related Issue, says MEA

India reiterated on Thursday that crude oil procurement from Russia was guided by its energy security requirements. Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said many countries are making policy decisions from a similar perspective, and oil procurement from Russia is not an Indian issue.

He said that the country has consistently maintained that its approach is guided bu its energy security requirements. He also said that many regions and countries have taken policy decisions recently with a similar perspective.

Bagchi answered a question about India's ongoing procurement of crude oil from Russia saying, "I would like to reiterate that this is not an Indian issue."  The Western capitals were worried about India's position in the Ukrainian crisis and the decision to procure Russian oil at a discounted price.

India has not yet condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine, urging immediate termination of violence and resolution of the crisis through diplomacy and dialogue.