GLOBIVOX

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday strongly rebuked recent comments by former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro regarding India’s oil trade policies. Navarro had criticized India’s continued engagement with certain suppliers, suggesting that such moves undermine global sanctions and geopolitical efforts.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the remarks “unwarranted and uninformed,” making it clear that India’s energy policy is guided solely by national interests and the need to ensure affordable energy access for its citizens.

“India maintains an independent foreign policy and engages with multiple nations to secure energy security. External commentary, especially when based on misperceptions, does not alter our priorities,” Jaiswal stated during the weekly press briefing.

He further added that New Delhi has diversified its oil imports in recent years, balancing purchases from the Middle East, Russia, and the U.S. “Our focus remains on affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supplies. These decisions are taken in line with India’s developmental needs and sovereign choices,” he emphasized.

Navarro’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of India’s energy ties, particularly following Western sanctions against Russia. However, officials in New Delhi argue that global energy markets are deeply interdependent and politicizing trade hampers stability.

Foreign policy experts say India’s pushback reflects a consistent stance: protecting its energy sovereignty while continuing to engage constructively with partners in Washington and beyond. The MEA stressed that bilateral relations between India and the U.S. remain robust, despite occasional disagreements.

As the world’s third-largest oil importer, India’s decisions carry significant weight in global energy dynamics. Analysts suggest that India will continue to pursue a pragmatic approach—expanding renewable energy at home while keeping oil imports diversified to prevent supply shocks.