Hardeep Puri's 'Hard Talk' On Russian Oil: 'We Issue Global Tenders, Whoever Can Supply Delivers'
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended India's energy strategy and geopolitical stance in a BBC HARDtalk, and rejected criticism of India-Russia ties and its democratic values.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri defended India’s energy strategy and geopolitical positioning in a candid interview on BBC’s HARDtalk. Puri projected confidence in the country's economic and energy policies as he addressed concerns about India’s energy dependence, relations with Russia, and commitment to climate goals.
Returning to the prime BBC show after over two decades, the former diplomat refuted criticisms of India's relationship with Russia and its human rights record, with the interview touching upon geopolitical implications of India's energy choices and its position within international relations. The minister rejected characterisations of India as an "illiberal democracy".
Puri last appeared on BBC's flagship current affairs programme in 2002 as India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK when he discussed with host Tim Sebastian the issue of cross-border terrorism.
"More than two decades later, I had an interesting conversation with the current host Stephen Sackur (before the program signs off sometime next month), on India’s awe inspiring journey..." the minister posted on X (formerly Twitter).
I had first appeared on BBC HARDtalk in 2002 as India’s Dy High Commissioner to the UK for a pointed discussion on cross border terrorism with Tim Sebastian in what was then regarded as a rigorously researched program.
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) February 7, 2025
More than two decades later, I had an interesting… pic.twitter.com/YD3ACDm0dn
This was one of the last shows of BBC HARDTalk, as the British media house has decided to scrap the programme. The show hosted by journalist Stephen Sackur will end sometime in March, after nearly a three-decade run.
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India Imports Oil From 39 Countries, Not Just Russia: Puri
While skeptics argue that India’s economic growth rate would need to exceed 9% annually for India to become a fully developed nation by 2047, which has been Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stated vision, Puri dismissed these concerns. Asked if it would be possible to achieve the grand ambition by 2047, Puri said it was not only possible but possible much before that.
"I think it's going to be made possible well before the 100 years of independence are over. We're already the fifth largest economy in the world according to the IMF. We should be the fourth largest during 2025 and possibly, if current rates of growth are maintained, the third largest economy before 2027.”
However, India’s growing economy comes with increasing energy demands, and Puri acknowledged this, though refuted claims of over-reliance on any single energy source. He emphasised India's diversification, stating that while Russian oil accounted for 38-40% of imports last year, India now imports from 39 countries, not just Russia.
The minister defended India's decision to continue purchasing Russian oil despite Western sanctions, asserting that the United States had never explicitly opposed India's strategy. "What the United States told us is that they wanted us to buy as much oil from Russia as we like as long as we bought it at a reasonable price. And that was music to my ears. There's no sanction on Russian oil...," he said, dismissing the notion that India’s dependence on Russian oil made it geopolitically vulnerable.
Asked about new sanctions affecting Russia’s shadow tanker fleet, Puri dismissed concerns, arguing that India’s procurement strategy does not rely on any specific fleet but on open-market purchases. "We issue (global) tenders at the point of importation", and whoever can supply at Indian ports will do so, he asserted.
His comments on energy comes days before the Government of India organises the India Energy Week 2025 in New Delhi, from February 11 to 14.
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'We Are The Mother Of Democracy'
Despite India’s commitment to renewable energy and the Paris Climate Agreement, Puri defended the continued use of coal, which still accounts for 75% of India's electricity generation. He pointed to India’s increasing biofuel blending and ambitious green hydrogen initiatives as evidence of a sustainable energy transition. “Today India is one country which has met its Paris commitments,” he claimed, adding that new flex-fuel vehicles and ethanol-based fuel expansion are progressing rapidly.
However, critics argue that India’s energy policies still favour coal expansion, which contradicts long-term climate goals. Pressed on this issue, Puri dismissed Western critics, stating, “A lot of people drawing inspiration from...people in the west who are extremely jealous of the Indian transition."
Towards the end of the interview, the discussion shifted to India’s political landscape. Puri rejected allegations that the Modi government is undermining democratic values, arguing that India remains one of the world's most robust democracies. When questioned about media freedom and civil liberties, Puri dismissed reports from organisations like Freedom House and Human Rights Watch, stating that India's democracy remains vibrant and that international assessments are often biased.
"Today in India, you have a robust democracy. People use the most the choicest invectives against elected leaders. Try and do that in a western democracy. See what happens in terms of result," said the former diplomat.
Stating that he doesn't agree with the characterisation of India in the Western media calling it an "illiberal democracy", Puri added: "We are, whether the West likes it or not, anybody likes it or not, the world's largest democracy. We're also the mother of democracy. We had republics operating in India in 6th century BC, and today what you witness in India is a very robust democracy, which is delivering goods and services to its people."
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