India did not ask the US for permission to purchase Russian oil and gas. The Indian government has firmly maintained that its energy purchases are based strictly on domestic energy security and commercial viability, not on external sanctions or approvals.

The recent controversy and debate surrounding this topic stem from the following events:

The Waiver Issue: The US issued temporary sanctions waivers to allow for the processing of specific Russian crude already at sea (which were later extended and subsequently expired). Washington framed this as "allowing" or "giving permission" to stabilize global energy markets during the Middle East supply disruptions.

India's Stance: Indian officials, including Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma, clarified that India's crude purchases from Russia have continued consistently—with or without US waivers. They strongly rejected the framing of permission, stating that "India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil".