In an interview with Russia's state-run TASS news agency published on Sunday, Kumar said New Delhi's priority is ensuring the energy security of the country's 1.4 billion people.
His remarks come amid US criticism of India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude, a criticism which India has strongly rejected.
Stressing that trade takes place on a "commercial basis", Kumar said, "Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal. So that's what the current situation is." "…We have clearly stated that our
His comments came in the backdrop of the Donald Trump administration doubling tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50%, including a 25% additional duty for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.
The US has alleged that India's purchases of Russian crude oil are funding
Calling Washington's decision "unfair, unreasonable and unjustified", Kumar said the Indian government "will continue taking measures which will protect the national interest of the country".
India has been maintaining that its energy procurement, including from Russia, is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
Kumar said trade between India and Russia is based on mutual interests and market factors, and added that it is done with the "overall
"There are other countries, including the US itself and in Europe, trading with Russia," he said.
On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, responding to a question on the US criticism of India on the crude oil issue, said, “It's funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business. That's really curious. If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don't buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it. But
