India to maintain Russian oil imports despite US pressure, says expert

India is expected to hold firm on its Russian oil imports during high-level discussions with the United States next week, according to experts. Commerce Minister Goyal is anticipated to reiterate the government's position that national economic interest will not be compromised, mirroring the Ministry of External Affairs' consistent messaging on the issue.

The timing comes as US-China trade tensions ease with a potential truce extension, bringing India's energy policy choices into sharper focus. Indian officials have repeatedly emphasized that the country's energy security and economic needs drive its crude oil sourcing decisions, including purchases from Russia.