India on Thursday reaffirmed that its oil import decisions are guided solely by national interest and the imperative to ensure affordable and secure energy for its citizens, amid external remarks concerning its energy engagements.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India, as a major importer of oil and gas, consistently prioritizes safeguarding consumer interests, especially during periods of global market volatility.
“It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective. Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy. This includes broad-basing our energy sourcing and diversifying as appropriate to meet market conditions,” he said.
“Where the US is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade. The current Administration has shown interest in deepening energy cooperation with India. Discussions are ongoing,” the MEA spokesperson added.