India’s energy security remains rock-solid under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, with Russian oil imports hitting record highs despite global pressures. In February 2026 alone, Russia topped the list as India’s largest crude oil supplier, outpacing Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait. This isn’t by chance—it’s a deliberate strategy to secure the best deals for Indian refiners and consumers, saving billions in foreign exchange while ensuring stable supplies.
Opposition claims that the Modi government “needs US permission” to buy Russian oil are misleading and ignore India’s sovereign decision-making. As an independent nation, India chooses its import partners based purely on national interests: affordability, availability, and reliability. For months—December 2025 through February 2026—Indian refiners have imported massive volumes from Russia, navigating international complexities without interruption. Data from official trade figures confirms Russia as the top source, demonstrating the government’s astute handling of energy needs amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In short, just look at the last three months. Whether it is in December, January or February, India has imported the most oil from Russia. At that time, all these prohibitive orders were from Russian manufacturers, even if they were for our refineries, but even then, this trade continued uninterrupted, and according to our February figures, our number one oil import is from Russia, bypassing these conditions and prohibitive orders.
Understanding the US Treasury’s General License 133
The recent US Department of the Treasury notice renewing General License 133 (effective until April 4, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT) isn’t a “permission slip” for India—it’s a routine waiver of secondary sanctions risks. This license temporarily eases 10 specific prohibitions under US regulations (like 31 CFR Parts 587 and 589 on Russian activities, plus Iran-related rules) for transactions involving Russian crude oil or petroleum products destined for entities registered in India.
Key provisions include:
- No blocks on loading, unloading, sale, or delivery of such oil.
- Safe docking, anchoring, emergency repairs, environmental protections, and crew safety for vessels are exempt from US-controlled restrictions.
- Essential services like vessel management, crewing, bunkering, insurance, and salvage remain unaffected.
This 30-day extension mirrors prior waivers, preventing disruptions in global oil flows—especially vital for India, a key US partner in the Indo-Pacific. It shields Indian refiners from secondary sanctions tied to US dollar clearing, banking ties, or insurance involving American interests. Crucially, India imported Russian oil seamlessly before this license and will continue doing so afterward, as sovereign choices trump external notices.
Modi’s Proactive Approach Shields India from Global Turbulence
The Modi government’s diversification strategy has reduced vulnerability: Russian imports now fill gaps left by pricier Middle Eastern suppliers, stabilizing domestic fuel prices and inflation. Even with US sanctions threats post-2022 Ukraine invasion, India’s imports surged—proving refiners’ resilience in payments (often via rupees or alternative routes) and logistics.
This isn’t subservience; it’s strategic autonomy. As tensions simmer in the Middle East (e.g., potential Iran disruptions), the waiver underscores US recognition of India’s role in balancing energy markets. Opposition narratives twisting this into “begging for permission” undermine India’s achievements—much like how we’ve bypassed sanctions before through smart diplomacy.
In essence, the Modi era exemplifies “Atmanirbhar” energy policy: buying where it benefits India most, sanctions or no sanctions. Jai Hind!
