# India's Petroleum Ministry Defends High Russian Oil Imports
India's Ministry of Petroleum has responded to criticism from The Hindu regarding the country's increased dependence on Russian crude oil. The ministry addressed an editorial that highlighted Russia's share in India's oil imports reaching above 40% in May 2026, characterizing the rising volumes as part of a deliberate strategy rather than an oversight or necessity-driven decision.
The ministry's response indicates that the high proportion of Russian oil in India's import portfolio is intentional policy rather than circumstantial. This statement comes amid broader discussions about India's energy security and its sourcing strategies for petroleum products in the international market.
The editorial from The Hindu had raised concerns about the concentration of India's oil imports from a single source, prompting the ministry to publicly justify its approach. The exchange reflects ongoing debate within India regarding the country's crude oil procurement decisions and their economic and geopolitical implications.
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