Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently addressed questions regarding India’s energy strategy, including concerns over Russian oil imports, during a briefing focused on the Seychelles President’s visit. While the discussion was not officially about energy policy, Misri acknowledged public interest in the matter and shared insights into how India approaches its energy needs.
He emphasized that India is a net importer of oil and gas, and as a developing economy, it must remain conscious of resource availability. “Our first priority is to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers by ensuring reliable, secure, and reasonably priced energy,” Misri said, highlighting the importance of balancing supply and cost for the country’s growing population.
Misri explained that India imports crude oil from multiple sources to reduce dependency on any single country. The energy import strategy is guided by three key principles: availability, pricing, and reliability. By maintaining a diversified supply, India aims to ensure that its energy needs are met without being overly reliant on a single source. “Our policy aims to diversify sources of energy as much as possible. The more diversified we are, the more secure our energy future,” he noted.
The Foreign Secretary also clarified that actual sourcing of crude oil is handled by public and private sector oil companies. These companies make decisions based on market conditions, availability, cost considerations, and risk assessments. “They operate within their own internal accountability frameworks and fiduciary responsibilities. Our government ensures that national interest remains the guiding factor,” he added.
Misri underscored India’s role as a stabilizing factor in global energy markets. Recent years have brought uncertainty to worldwide energy markets, and India’s approach to maintaining stable pricing and secure supply aligns with the interests of the global community. “India is not only one of the largest energy consumers but also contributes to stability in global energy markets,” he said.
His remarks reflect India’s careful balancing act: securing energy supplies for a fast-growing economy while remaining sensitive to geopolitical realities. By emphasizing diversification, market-driven decision-making, and consumer protection, India aims to maintain energy security while reinforcing its role as a responsible participant in global energy dynamics.
India’s energy strategy, as explained by Vikram Misri, underscores a pragmatic, data-driven approach that balances domestic needs with global market realities. By focusing on diversified sourcing and reliable supply, India safeguards its economy and citizens while contributing to stability in international energy markets.