'India diversifying oil sourcing': US envoy Sergio Gor notes Russia shift - what he said on Venezuela option
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India has reaffirmed its stance on purchasing Russian oil and remains open to sourcing Venezuelan crude if it is commercially viable. This comes after US envoy Sergio Gor highlighted India's efforts to diversify its oil sourcing during a press conference in New Delhi. While the Indian government has not changed its position on Russian oil, it continues to explore alternatives like Venezuelan crude, as previously stated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Gor emphasized that the United States "does not want any country to buy Russian oil," aligning with President Trump's goal of ending Russia's involvement in the Ukraine conflict. He also noted active discussions between US and Indian energy departments regarding potential Venezuelan oil supplies, which could soon yield results. State refiners and private companies have already placed orders for Venezuelan crude, as reported by Reuters.
The US has consistently opposed Russian oil imports, arguing that such transactions support Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. This pressure on India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries, which are expected to conclude soon with a final agreement.
India's strategic diversification of oil sources reflects its commitment to balancing international relations and reducing energy dependency. While the country remains committed to its existing suppliers, it is actively exploring alternative options to strengthen its energy security. This move aligns with global trends toward energy diversification and geopolitical risk mitigation, making it a significant development in India's foreign policy and energy strategy.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026