Global Spotlight on Russian Oil and Venezuela Crisis Prompts India to Double Down on Independent Foreign Policy
India has once again stated its strategic autonomy in sourcing energy and dismissed external pressure to align its oil purchases with geopolitical expectations, as the Ministry of External Affairs addressed a broad spectrum of international issues during its weekly media briefing.
In a direct response to mounting commentary from Western leaders, including U.S. lawmakers and the Polish foreign minister, India made clear that its decisions are guided by affordability, availability, and national interest. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal; Via: Nayanima Basu
He added, "Whatever we do will be guided by these two imperatives," firmly resisting assertions that recent reductions in Russian oil imports were aimed at placating Washington or its allies.
The comments come just days after U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and President Donald Trump publicly linked India’s energy purchases to diplomatic favor, with the senator citing an Indian envoy’s alleged assurance of reduced imports to ease tensions.
Asked to confirm whether the reduction was policy or a political gesture, Jaiswal pointedly stated India’s position was rooted in market dynamics and national interest.
On Venezuela, the spokesperson acknowledged developments following U.S. military action and confirmed India is closely monitoring the situation. Responding to a query on whether instability in Venezuela would affect India's modest oil trade with the country, amounting to just 2%, Jaiswal reiterated the country’s broad energy approach, signaling no immediate disruption in sourcing.
The government has also issued a travel advisory to Indian nationals in Venezuela, with around 50 citizens currently present, and confirmed its embassy remains in close contact.
When asked about the Indian National Congress's sharp criticism of the U.S. military action in Venezuela, which called it a breach of international law and a threat to global stability, Jaiswal declined to directly comment.
“We have already given our statement [on Venezuela],” he said, referring reporters to the official MEA position released earlier.
India also maintained its position on other pressing geopolitical fronts. On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and infrastructure development in Shaksgam Valley, Jaiswal reaffirmed India's consistent view that the 1963 China-Pakistan boundary agreement is "illegal and invalid," reiterating that the territory is part of India.
He warned that any attempts to alter the ground reality will be met with appropriate measures to safeguard national interests.
Responding to developments in Gaza and China’s military exercises near Taiwan, Jaiswal urged all parties to "exercise restraint and resolve issues through peaceful means without threat or use of force." He welcomed the Gaza peace plan but said India continues to examine its details.
On the domestic front, the MEA dismissed criticism from Pakistan regarding internal issues such as demolition drives and minority rights. "Those who make such comments should first look at their own record before commenting on others," Jaiswal remarked, while also condemning ongoing attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, urging swift and firm action from Dhaka.
India also clarified that negotiations for a trade deal with the United States had seen progress but were inaccurately characterized by recent U.S. statements. "We remain interested in a mutually beneficial trade deal between two complementary economies," Jaiswal said, adding that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump had spoken eight times in 2025 covering wide-ranging bilateral issues.
With visits by the German Chancellor, EU delegations, and the French President expected in the coming weeks, India appears to be aligning its diplomatic engagement with the shifting contours of global power and economic interdependence without compromising its independent foreign policy posture.