New Delhi

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday clarified India’s position on the import of Russian oil, following the United States’ decision to withdraw the additional 25 per cent tariff that had been imposed over India’s energy purchases from Russia. The move came after Washington and New Delhi announced a framework for a bilateral trade agreement.

In a statement issued earlier, the White House said that under the agreed framework, India had “committed to stop directly or indirectly importing” Russian oil as part of the bilateral trade understanding.

Responding to queries on the matter, the MEA stressed that energy security remains a core national priority, particularly in view of the country’s population of 1.4 billion.

“With regard to India’s energy sourcing, the government has consistently stated that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is its foremost priority,” the MEA spokesperson said.

The ministry underlined that policy decisions in the energy sector are guided by this central objective and are shaped by prevailing market realities and the broader international environment.

“Diversification of energy sources, in line with objective market conditions and evolving global dynamics, lies at the heart of our strategy to secure India’s energy needs,” the spokesperson said, adding that all present and future decisions would continue to be taken with this consideration in mind.

Meanwhile, India and the United States announced through a joint statement that both sides have agreed on the terms of a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.

According to the joint statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the White House, the United States will impose a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on a range of Indian-origin goods. These include products from sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber goods, organic chemicals, home décor, artisanal items, and select categories of machinery.

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The statement further noted that, subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US would withdraw reciprocal tariffs on several other product categories listed under the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners Annex to Executive Order 14346 dated September 5, 2025. These include generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts, among others.