India Should Be Free to Source Oil Globally, Says P. Chidambaram Amid US Pressure Claims

Senior Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday said India must retain the freedom to purchase crude oil from any country offering reasonable terms, amid renewed debate over New Delhi’s energy choices following remarks by US President Donald Trump. Chidambaram suggested that India’s reduced oil imports from Russia were influenced by pressure from Washington, though he acknowledged that the full diplomatic context was known only to the government.

Responding to questions on recent statements from the US President regarding India’s oil sourcing, Chidambaram said energy security should be guided by availability and price rather than external preferences. “India should be able to buy oil wherever it is available — whether from Russia, Venezuela, or any other country,” he said during an interaction with reporters in the capital.

Claims of Pressure Behind Shift in Oil Imports

Chidambaram pointed out that India’s crude oil purchases from Russia had declined significantly in recent months. He attributed this drop to pressure exerted by the United States, which has repeatedly voiced concerns over energy trade with certain countries under its sanctions regime.

“Our oil imports from Russia fell sharply because of the threat from the US,” the former Finance Minister said, adding that such developments raise important questions about India’s strategic autonomy in managing its energy needs.

At the same time, Chidambaram said he was not privy to the details of any understanding between New Delhi and Washington on the issue. He stressed that decisions involving sensitive international negotiations fall within the domain of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Venezuela Option and Possible Complications

Referring to discussions around sourcing oil from Venezuela, Chidambaram said India should consider the option if commercial terms are favourable. “If oil from Venezuela is available at a reasonable price, there is no reason not to explore it,” he remarked.

However, he cautioned that such transactions could involve diplomatic or logistical complexities. “Whether there are complications in buying oil from Venezuela is something only the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister would know,” he said, underlining that energy trade today is closely linked with geopolitics and international sanctions.

The comments came after President Trump claimed that India had reached an understanding to source crude oil from Venezuela instead of Iran. The Indian government has so far not issued an official response to these assertions.

Reaction to US President’s Public Remarks

Over the weekend, President Trump told reporters that India was shifting its oil purchases away from Iran and towards Venezuela, presenting it as part of a broader trade arrangement. His remarks have sparked debate in India over whether such announcements should be made unilaterally by a foreign leader, and whether they reflect agreed policy positions.

When asked earlier about why the US President was making such declarations, Chidambaram responded with a light remark, distancing himself from interpreting statements made by the US administration. He also redirected attention to domestic economic issues, particularly the Union Budget, which had just been presented.

Political observers note that public comments by foreign leaders on India’s trade and energy decisions can complicate diplomatic messaging, especially when there is no immediate clarification from New Delhi.

Government Yet to Clarify Position

As of Monday, the Union government had not officially confirmed any agreement to alter India’s crude oil sourcing strategy in line with US statements. Analysts say India’s oil import policy has historically been driven by a mix of price competitiveness, supply security, and diversification of sources.

India is one of the world’s largest crude oil importers and relies heavily on overseas supplies to meet domestic demand. In recent years, it has expanded purchases from a range of countries to reduce dependence on any single region.

Energy experts point out that sudden shifts in sourcing can have implications for pricing, shipping logistics, insurance, and long-term supply contracts. They also caution that geopolitical considerations increasingly shape global energy markets, leaving limited room for purely commercial decisions.

Broader Debate on Strategic Autonomy

Chidambaram’s remarks have revived discussion around India’s strategic autonomy in economic and foreign policy decision-making. Opposition leaders argue that while maintaining strong relations with major global powers is important, India must also safeguard its independent policy choices, particularly in critical sectors such as energy.

Supporters of the government, however, maintain that India must navigate a complex international environment and balance economic interests with diplomatic realities. They point out that global sanctions, trade negotiations, and security considerations often intersect, limiting policy flexibility.

For now, the lack of an official government response has left room for speculation. As global energy markets remain volatile, clarity on India’s oil sourcing strategy and its engagement with major partners like the US is expected to be closely watched in the coming days.