India said on Saturday (March 7, 2026) it was pushing ahead with imports of Russian oil, after a temporary U.S. waiver to import crude from Moscow due war in West Asia — but adding it did not need Washington’s permission. Read | Israel-Iran war LIVE: Explosion reportedly heard over Dubai airport, but city officials deny any incidentsWashington temporarily eased economic sanctions against Russia on Thursday (March 5) to allow Russian oil stranded at sea to be sold to India. “India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil,” the statement said. “India is still importing Russian oil even in February 2026, and Russia is still India’s largest crude oil supplier.”Washington rolled back a 25% duty on Indian exports in February as part of an interim trade deal after what it described as New Delhi’s “commitment” to stop buying Russian oil. However, India on Saturday (March 7) raised the price of household liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders used for cooking by 7%.

Source: The Hindu March 07, 2026 07:36 UTC