Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Sitharaman Says India’s Interests Come First Amid US Tariff Threat
The United States may impose very high tariffs on countries that buy fuels from Russia.
India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, said India must carefully protect its own interests.
She said India needs enough crude oil for its 1.4 billion people.
Indian refineries also work better with some types of crude than others.
India is trying to buy energy from different sources.
However, it cannot ignore whether enough suitable crude is available.
Sitharaman discussed this issue at the Changemaker Awards 2026.
She said India must be practical while dealing with the tariff threat.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India must remain practical when sourcing crude oil.
She said India’s interests and the needs of its 1.4 billion people must remain paramount.
The United States recently gained powers to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian fuels.
Sitharaman said India is already diversifying its energy basket but cannot ignore crude availability.
She also cited the compatibility of different crude grades with Indian refineries as a factor.
- Who
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed India’s crude-oil sourcing and the United States’ tariff threat.
- What
- Sitharaman said India must remain practical, diversify its energy basket, and keep its interests paramount.
- When
- She made the remarks on Tuesday, in an event published on September 24, 2026.
- Where
- At a fireside chat during the annual Changemaker Awards 2026.
- Why
- Because the United States has gained powers to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of fuels from Russia, while India must secure suitable crude for its population and refineries.
- Speaker
- Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Finance Minister
- Potential tariff
- Up to 100%
- Target of tariff powers
- Major buyers of fuels from Russia
- India’s population referenced
- 1.4 billion people
- India’s energy approach
- Diversifying its energy basket
- Key sourcing considerations
- Crude availability and compatibility with Indian refineries
- Event
- Annual Changemaker Awards 2026