India Accuses West of Double Standards, Reveals U.S. Request to Buy Russian Oil

Key Facts

1Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar accused Western nations of double standards regarding the on-and-off sanctions on Russian oil based on their own interests.

2Jaishankar stated that the U.S. specifically asked India to buy Russian oil in 2022 to help stabilize the global oil market.

3Indian refiners have secured crude supply through August by boosting purchases from the UAE, Africa, and Brazil amid the current supply crisis.

Amid ongoing geopolitical friction over global energy flows, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar accused Western nations of double standards regarding the imposition and lifting of Russian oil sanctions based on their own interests. Jaishankar revealed that the U.S. specifically requested India to purchase Russian crude in 2022 to help stabilize global oil markets. Furthermore, Indian refiners have secured crude supplies through August by boosting procurement from the UAE, Africa, and Brazil to navigate the current supply crisis.

These comments come as trade data highlights a major shift in India's energy strategy, with Russia becoming its top crude supplier, accounting for over 35% of imports last year according to ship-tracking data. In comparison to sector peers, India's Reliance Industries reported robust refining margins driven by discounted Russian barrels, while market data shows India's current account reached 7.1 billion (as of June 8, 2026), benefiting from stabilized energy import costs.

Looking ahead, traders are monitoring crude inventory levels which saw a significant draw of -9.119 million barrels according to API data (close June 9, 2026). Investors should watch for further supply chain shifts as India diversifies away from Middle Eastern routes due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The upcoming OPEC meeting remains a critical catalyst for determining production policies that will impact Indian refining costs through the third quarter.