Open to import of Venezuelan oil based on viability: MEA

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday emphasised that ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people remains the government's top priority, amid US President Donald Trump's claim that India has stopped importing Russian oil.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's energy decisions are guided by national interest.

"In so far as India's energy security or sourcing is confirmed, the government has publicly on several occasions, including me, stated that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people is the supreme priority of the government," Jaiswal said.


Outlining the government's strategy, he said, "Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India's decisions are taken and will be taken with this in mind".

India continues to keep its options open for sourcing crude oil from Venezuela and other regions, depending on commercial viability, Jaiswal informed.

Responding to media queries on crude imports from Venezuela, Jaiswal highlighted India's long-standing energy engagement with Venezuela, covering both trade and investment.

"As far as Venezuela is concerned, it has been a long-standing partner for us in the area of energy, both on the trade and the investment side," Jaiswal said during a media briefing.

He said India sourced crude from Venezuela until 2019-20, after which imports were stopped.

According to the MEA, crude purchases resumed in 2023-24 but were discontinued after sanctions were reimposed.