India’s claim of strategic autonomy exposed as it shifts from Russian to Venezuelan oil
New Delh: India’s much-touted policy of “strategic autonomy” has come under renewed scrutiny as New Delhi reportedly shifts from Russian to Venezuelan crude oil in the face of mounting US sanctions and tariff pressure, exposing what critics describe as the fragility of its claims of independent foreign and energy policies.
According to Kashmir Media Service, after projecting itself as a champion of multi-alignment and strategic independence, India is now scrambling to diversify its crude imports as Washington tightens economic pressure over Russian oil purchases.
Russia supplied nearly 36–37 percent of India’s crude oil imports during 2024 and early 2025, with imports estimated at $45–53 billion annually at their peak. However, those volumes are now reportedly declining sharply as US pressure intensifies.
At the same time, imports from Venezuela have risen significantly, reaching between 266,000 and 427,000 barrels per day, making the Latin American country one of India’s top five crude suppliers. Indian refiners, particularly Reliance Industries, have reportedly accelerated purchases of Venezuelan oil to offset the decline in Russian supplies.
Analysts say the latest shift highlights a recurring pattern in India’s energy policy. Under previous US sanctions, New Delhi abandoned imports of Iranian oil and allowed the strategically important Chabahar Port project to lose momentum. They argue that whenever faced with serious economic pressure, India’s claims of strategic autonomy give way to policy adjustments driven by external considerations.
Critics maintain that New Delhi’s repeated shifts in energy sourcing undermine its narrative of independent decision-making, arguing that its proclaimed strategic autonomy is often compromised when confronted with geopolitical and economic pressure.
While acknowledging that energy security remains a legitimate national priority, observers contend that presenting repeated policy reversals as evidence of strategic independence raises questions about the credibility of India’s foreign policy posture.
