Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:17pm on 08 Feb 2026,Sunday Business
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal again avoided a direct reply on US President Donald Trump’s condition that India should not buy Russian oil under the trade deal framework. Speaking to ANI, Goyal said buying crude oil, LNG and LPG from the US is in “India’s own strategic interests” as the country diversifies supply. He said the trade deal will not decide “who will buy what and from where.” He added, “The trade deal ensures that the pathway to trade is smooth and ensures preferential access.” On the Russian oil issue, he said it falls under the Ministry of External Affairs. The MEA repeated that energy purchases depend on market and security needs. (PC: HT)