India Continues Russian Crude Imports Despite US Sanctions Waiver Lapse, Citing Energy Security

India's Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, stated that the country will continue importing Russian crude based on commercial and energy security needs, regardless of the US sanctions waiver. Sharma emphasized that India has been sourcing oil from Russia before, during, and after the waiver period, and continues to do so now. India's imports of Russian seaborne crude reached near-record levels in April and May, following previous sanctions-related relaxations. The US, according to Bloomberg, plans a new Russian oil waiver as the Iran war disrupts global supplies. However, India's stance remains firm, with officials asserting that there is no shortage of crude in the country. Multiple Indian news outlets, including Times of India and WION, reported the government's decision, while TASS echoed the Indian ministry's position. No divergence was noted in the sources regarding the core facts of India's continued imports.