India-Russia Oil Trade: The government clarified its stand on the US' claim that it has given a 'permission' to India to accept Russian oil, saying New Delhi is never dependent on permission and continues to buy crude oil from any source offering the most competitive prices. 

"India’s energy supply remains secure and stable. Crude oil sources diversified from 27 to 40 countries, ensuring multiple alternative supply routes. In the national interest, India purchases oil from wherever the most competitive and affordable prices are available," the government said in a statement.


No Other Nation Determines India's oil Purchase: Government

A senior government functionary said India has never been dependent on permission from any nation to buy Russian oil and though the US sanctions' waiver allowing refiners to purchase it removes friction, it does not define the country's policy. Dismissing opposition charges, he stated Russian oil continued to flow into India even after the US objected to it and imposed sanctions.

ALSO READ: 'Not By Mistakes Of Others': Jaishankar Rebukes US Deputy Secretary’s Remarks Against India's Growth, China Comparison | Watch

The message from the Centre to every Indian household is clear that the country's fuel supply is fully secure, he added. The government is continuously monitoring the situation and will act, as it always has, in the interest of every citizen, the government functionary said.

"The US waiver of sanctions removes friction. It does not define India's policy, which is governed by the energy trilemma -- affordability, availability and sustainability -- for every Indian household," he explained.

ALSO READ: 'We Asked Them Stop Buying Russian Oil, They Did': Trump Aide Calls Indians 'Good Actors' Over Oil Waiver

US Treasury Secretary Bessent's Permission Remark Created Row

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent created a row in India after claiming that the Trump administration has given 'permission' to India to buy Russian oil that is on ships already floating on waterways with a view to easing supplies around the world amid the West Asia conflict.

"The Indians had been very good actors. We had asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did," Bessent claimed, adding that India had originally planned to replace those supplies with American crude.

(With agencies inputs)