New Delhi, Sept. 18 -- India on Friday reiterated that its energy sourcing decisions are guided by national interest, with the Ministry of External Affairs asserting that meeting the energy requirements of the country's 1.4 billion people remains an "imperative".

The remarks were made by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the weekly press briefing in the national capital.

Responding to a question on whether India would continue purchasing Russian oil based on market considerations and national interest despite US pressure, Jaiswal said India had "clarified our position several times" on its energy sourcing.

"When it comes to energy sourcing, it is based on our national interest. We have said that meeting the energy requirements of...