Berk Kutay Gokmen
February 09, 2026•Update: February 09, 2026
ISTANBUL
India on Monday stressed its “national interest” as "guiding factor" in energy imports, noting that New Delhi seeks “adequate energy at the right price and through reliable and secure supplies.”
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said: “Whether it is the government or indeed our business at the end of the day, national interest will be the guiding factor for us in our choices.”
“The key drivers of our energy policy are adequate availability, fair pricing, and reliability of supply,” he added.
His remarks came after Washington and New Delhi announced Friday that they have reached terms on an interim framework deal to end a bilateral trade dispute, with US President Donald Trump taking action to advance the agreement.
Trump quickly lifted a 25% second tariff he imposed on Indian goods in retaliation for India's import of Russian oil.
According to an executive order released by the White House on Friday, Trump said: “India has committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil, has represented that it will purchase United States energy products from the United States.”
“I have determined that India has taken significant steps to address the national emergency. … Accordingly, I have determined to eliminate the additional ad valorem rate of duty,” Trump said.
Last month, Trump noted that India will buy oil from Venezuela instead of Iran, saying: "India is coming in, and they're going to be buying Venezuelan oil."
