India Expands Russian Oil Imports Despite U.S. Tariff Threats

India is significantly increasing its imports of Russian oil, even as the United States imposes higher tariffs aimed at curbing this activity. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the geopolitical landscape surrounding energy supplies has shifted dramatically, with Western nations introducing strict sanctions on Russian oil and gas. Despite these efforts, India has positioned itself as a major buyer of Russian energy, benefiting from discounted prices.

As of November 2025, India’s imports of Russian crude oil were projected to reach approximately 1.855 million barrels per day, a notable increase from 1.48 million barrels per day in October, according to data from the ship tracking agency Kpler. This uptick comes amid ongoing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that a 25 percent tariff introduced in August would penalize any country, including India, importing crude from Russia. In a statement, Trump highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would cease its Russian oil imports.

Trump expressed concern over India’s continued purchases, stating, “We were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that let Russia continue on with this ridiculous war where they’ve lost a million and a half people.” White House trade adviser Peter Navarro echoed this sentiment, claiming that India’s purchases were essentially funding Russia’s military efforts.

Despite such threats, India has emerged as the largest buyer of seaborne Russian crude, with Russian oil accounting for around 50 percent of India’s total oil imports by 2025. In 2021, prior to the conflict, this figure stood at just 2.5 percent. The ongoing high demand for Russian oil is attributed to Indian refineries attempting to stockpile crude before the U.S. sanctions take full effect.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

In December 2025, Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the annual Russia-India bilateral summit in New Delhi. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supplying energy, stating, “Russia is ready for uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India.” He emphasized that the bilateral relationship is robust enough to withstand external pressures, specifically criticizing the U.S. for its inconsistent stance on energy imports.

Putin remarked on the hypocrisy of the U.S. calling for India to halt imports of Russian crude while still purchasing Russian nuclear fuel for its power plants. He noted that if the U.S. has the right to engage in trade with Russia, India should enjoy similar privileges.

India’s energy security remains a cornerstone of its partnership with Russia, with Modi asserting that it is a vital pillar of their relationship. During the summit, both leaders discussed various agreements focused on defense and economic cooperation, aiming to double trade to $100 billion annually by 2030.

Future of Oil Imports Amid Sanctions

Looking ahead, India may need to diversify its Russian oil suppliers due to stricter sanctions targeting major producers such as Rosneft and Lukoil, which account for about 60 percent of Russian crude imports. Other Russian entities, such as Surgutneftegaz, are expected to step in to fulfill India’s demand. Additionally, India is likely to continue sourcing oil from Gazprom Neft.

To navigate the sanctions landscape, Russia has increased its reliance on a network of older tankers, known as shadow fleets, to transport oil to India. This strategy has allowed Moscow to maintain a steady flow of crude oil to its growing international partner, even in the face of widespread sanctions.

The increasing importation of Russian oil by India, despite U.S. tariff threats, underscores a shifting dynamic in global energy markets. As both nations deepen their ties, the implications for regional energy security and international relations remain significant. Despite the pressures, it appears that India will continue to prioritize its energy needs, further solidifying its role as a major player in the global oil market.