India, May 19 -- India will continue purchasing Russian crude oil based on commercial viability and energy security considerations, irrespective of US sanctions waivers, a senior Petroleum Ministry official said on Monday.

Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, said India's crude procurement strategy remains guided by pricing and supply availability rather than external policy changes.

"India has been purchasing Russian oil before the waiver, during the waiver and now as well," Sharma told reporters, emphasising that the country's sourcing decisions are rooted in commercial logic.

She said India has secured adequate crude supplies through long-term arrangements and currently faces no shortage in a...