The Indian Ministry of External Affairs advised European Union officials, including Josep Borrell, to study EU regulations carefully before making any statements about Russian oil. The ministry emphasized that reputable interpretation of policy must take into account the evolving rules governing commodity markets, and it urged foreign observers to verify the basis of any claims tied to energy imports. This guidance appeared in a context where New Delhi weighs its long-standing ties with Moscow against its strategic objectives of diversification and energy security, and where senior Indian officials continually monitor how Western sanctions shape global oil flows. (Source: Times of India reporting).
The ministry clarified a regulatory nuance: when crude oil from Russia has undergone substantial processing in a third country, it is not considered Russian in terms of origin for certain trade and regulatory purposes. Consequently, India retains the right to import and distribute fully refined petroleum products regardless of the country where the processing occurred. This stance reflects India’s approach to securing reliable energy supplies while maintaining a pragmatic interpretation of origin rules that govern tariffs, sanctions exemptions, and international trade obligations. (Source: official statements and policy discussions).
Official data and industry reporting indicate that India has steadily increased its oil purchases from Russia in recent years. By March 2023, Russia’s share of Indian oil imports had risen to about 35 percent, signaling a significant shift in bilateral energy trading. At the same time, India has become a notable supplier of refined fuels to the European market, with shipments to Europe expanding substantially since the onset of the Ukraine conflict and the corresponding energy security measures. Analysts point to diversified sourcing, favorable pricing, and ongoing adjustments to maritime logistics as factors shaping this trend. (Source: trade statistics and market analyses).
In discussions conducted on May 18, regional news agencies reported that halting the flow of Russian crude into the Indian domestic market would be difficult given the breadth of existing contracts, infrastructure, and interdependence among regional energy markets. The broader objective behind Western sanction regimes, as portrayed by several observers, has focused on containing Russia’s oil revenues to limit its geopolitical leverage. This framing continues to influence policy conversations among energy ministers and senior diplomats across the Atlantic region. (Source: RIA Novosti reports and subsequent analyses).
Earlier remarks by the head of European diplomacy highlighted the EU’s interest in addressing perceptions that Indian refiners were re-exporting or selling Russian crude to Europe. The dialogue underscored a preference for clarity in how origin, refining, and re-export scenarios are categorized under evolving regulatory frameworks. Officials noted that any measures would require careful calibration to avoid unintended consequences for energy access in both Europe and Asia, while preserving the legal integrity of sanctions regimes. (Source: statements from EU diplomacy officials and follow-up commentaries).