India's Russian oil import 'minuscule', must not be politicised: Govt

Country's energy needs are enormous, says oil ministry in statement.

India on Wednesday asserted that its energy purchases from Russia remain 'minuscule' in comparison to its total consumption and that legitimate energy transactions cannot be politicised as energy export from Russia are yet to be sanctioned.

The world's third-biggest oil-consuming and importing nation has in recent weeks snapped few cargoes available from Russia at deep discounts as part of its plans to diversify its import basket. These purchases have been commented upon.

"India's legitimate energy transactions cannot be politicized," the oil ministry said in a statement reacting to such reports. "Energy flows are yet to be sanctioned." It went on