India has made it clear that it will maintain its oil trade with Russia, even in the face of stern warnings and potential tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at a recent press conference, Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the nation’s ties with Russia are “steady and time-tested,” urging that New Delhi’s decisions should not be influenced by third-party pressures. This stance comes as India prioritizes energy security, basing its policy on the accessibility of oil in global markets and the realities of international circumstances.
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President Trump’s announcement to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods—plus an extra import tax specifically targeting India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil—has added fresh tension to the energy landscape. The move follows escalating frustration in Washington over Russia’s continued military campaign in Ukraine and Moscow’s reluctance to agree to a ceasefire. As part of broader sanctions, the U.S. administration is now signaling a harder line toward countries maintaining robust economic ties with Russia.
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India’s appetite for Russian oil has grown dramatically since 2022. According to data from Kpler, cited by the Press Trust of India, New Delhi imported 68,000 barrels per day of Russian crude in January 2022, but this figure soared to 1.12 million barrels by June the same year. Imports peaked at 2.15 million barrels per day in May 2023, and at one point, Russian supplies accounted for nearly 40% of India’s total oil imports. With daily oil consumption at approximately 5.5 million barrels—and nearly 88% met through imports—India’s shift toward Russian oil represents a major strategic realignment.
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Historically, India sourced the majority of its crude oil from the Middle East. However, the geopolitical fallout from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 prompted a change in course. As Western nations imposed sanctions and turned away from Russian energy, India—now the world’s third-largest crude importer after China and the United States—seized the opportunity to secure Russian oil at discounted prices.
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The Indian government has repeatedly highlighted its need to diversify energy suppliers, underscoring that its policy decisions are driven by national interests rather than geopolitical rivalry. With global energy markets facing heightened volatility and political friction, India’s approach demonstrates a pragmatic blend of diplomacy and economic strategy.
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