Reference News Network, August 21 report. According to the Russian "Izvestia" website, on August 21, India has made a final decision on the issue of Russian energy. Vinay Kumar, India's ambassador to Russia, told "Izvestia" that despite U.S. pressure, New Delhi will continue to purchase Russian oil. On August 21, foreign ministers of Russia and India will discuss ways to strengthen the strategic partnership in Moscow.
Kumar said that India will not consider an embargo on Russian oil. He told "Izvestia": "No, India will only buy what is most beneficial for itself... The issue is not whether an embargo should be imposed. It concerns national security, economic and energy interests, especially our country's energy needs. Therefore, for economic interests, we will continue to purchase your country's oil. Our government has clearly stated that India will take all measures to safeguard its national interests, and ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion Indians is part of national interest."
Kumar said that India is very sensitive to any measures or actions that "violate Indian sovereignty".
Bloomberg News reported at the beginning of August that Indian state-owned refineries had stopped purchasing Russian oil. On August 20, Western media reported that Indian refineries had resumed purchasing Russian oil. This may be related to the phone call between the leaders of Russia and India on August 18. In addition, India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has arrived in Moscow for an official visit. During the visit, he will hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (Translation / Zhao Zhipeng)
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