During the 29th Energy Technology and Innovation Meet, Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addressed questions regarding India’s ongoing energy trade with Russia. Puri explicitly rejected the notion that India is under pressure from international partners to halt its imports of Russian crude oil. He stated, "I have never felt any pressure," regarding the country's energy procurement strategy.

India has significantly increased its imports of Russian oil since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, often securing the resources at discounted rates. The Indian government has consistently maintained that its energy policy is driven by the need to ensure affordable and reliable fuel supplies for its large population. While Western nations have implemented various sanctions and price caps on Russian energy exports, India has not joined these efforts, arguing that its primary responsibility is to protect its domestic consumers from global price volatility.

This position remains a point of discussion in diplomatic circles, as Western allies have occasionally signaled a desire for India to align more closely with their sanctions regime. However, the Indian government continues to assert that it will prioritize its own economic stability and energy security over external geopolitical pressures. The minister's comments serve as a reaffirmation of this long-standing policy, signaling that India intends to continue its current trade relationships despite international scrutiny.