Goa, Aug. 1 -- A day after the United States stepped up criticism of India's continued purchase of Russian oil, the Indian government issued a measured response, reaffirming that national interest and global market dynamics drive its energy choices.

"In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the market and the prevailing global circumstance," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Friday evening.

The comment followed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement that India's Russian oil imports were "a point of irritation" in ties. His remarks came on the heels of President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% 'reciprocal tariff' on Indian imports, along with a separate penalty for Indi...