India will continue to make decisions on oil imports based on what is best for the country, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday.

Speaking at a briefing on the visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Misri said that whether decisions are made by the government or private companies, national interest remains the top priority. “Our approach is guided by adequate availability, fair pricing, and reliability of supply,” he added, calling energy sourcing a “complex matrix of issues.”

India relies on imports for around 80–85% of its energy needs and maintains multiple sources of oil and gas to ensure stability and security. Misri noted that diversifying suppliers strengthens India’s energy security.

His comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order removing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods linked to purchases of Russian oil, lowering the overall U.S. tariff on Indian imports to 18%. The U.S. warned that tariffs could return if India resumed or increased purchases from Russia.

India has maintained that its oil imports are meant to secure domestic energy needs. Russian crude still makes up about a quarter of India’s oil imports, though shipments fell to a 38-month low in December, and major Indian refiners have avoided placing advance orders for April.

Misri’s briefing came ahead of a parliamentary committee session on trade and external affairs, which will discuss deals with the U.S. and European Union, as well as India’s commercial ties with neighboring countries. Opposition parties have argued that some agreements could harm farmers and small businesses.

The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed that India’s energy decisions will continue to prioritize national interest while balancing multiple factors to ensure stability and reliable supply.