Has India Stopped Buying Oil From Russia As Trump Claimed? What We Know So Far

Last Updated:August 03, 2025, 18:21 IST

The US has imposed 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods entering America, along with a separate penalty related to purchases of Russian oil and military hardware

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not confirmed any change in policy. (Reuters File)

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed in Washington that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia.

“I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard, I don’t know if that’s right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens," he said.

Days ago, the US imposed 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods entering America, along with a separate penalty related to purchases of Russian oil and military hardware. Trump also warned that countries buying Russian oil could face tariffs as high as 100 per cent if Moscow does not agree to a peace deal by mid-August.

In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at India’s trade practices and its reliance on Russian defence and energy sectors. “Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine — All things not good!"

How much oil does India buy from Russia?

As of 2025, Russia remains India’s largest supplier of crude oil, accounting for approximately 35–36% of India’s total oil imports. Official figures indicate that India imported an average of 1.75–1.76 million barrels per day (mb/d) of Russian crude during the first half of 2025 and the entire fiscal year 2024–25. In May 2025, Russian oil imports peaked at around 1.96 mb/d, the highest monthly level in nearly a year.

Is buying Russian oil illegal?

Sources told ANI that Russian oil has never been sanctioned, instead, it was subjected to a G7/EU price-cap mechanism designed to limit revenue while ensuring global supplies continued to flow. India acted as a responsible global energy actor, ensuring markets remain liquid and prices stable. India’s purchases have remained fully legitimate and within the framework of international norms.

“Had India not absorbed discounted Russian crude combined with OPEC+ production cuts of 5.86 mb/d, global oil prices could have surged well beyond the March 2022 peak of US$137/bbl, intensifying inflationary pressures worldwide," sources told ANI.

It is also pertinent to note that Russian oil has never been sanctioned and it is still not sanctioned by either US or EU. Indian OMCs have not been buying Iranian or Venezuelan crude which is actually sanctioned by the US. OMCs have always complied with the price cap of $60 for Russian oil recommended by the US. Recently EU has recommended a price cap of $47.6 dollars for Russian crude which will be enforced from September.

Commenting on European Union’s import of Russian origin liquified natural gas (LNG) during this period, sources added, “EU was the largest importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) during this period, buying 51% of Russia’s LNG exports, followed by China at 21% and Japan at 18%. Similarly, for pipeline gas, the EU remained the top buyer with a 37% share, followed by China (30%) and Turkey (27%)."

Is India buying oil from Russia or not?

This is what we know so far:

According to Reuters, India’s key state refiners — including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd — did not seek Russian crude cargoes recentlyRefuting Reuters’ report, ANI reported that Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics and other economic factors, the sources revealed. “In this challenging environment, India, as the world’s third-largest energy consumer with 85% crude oil import dependence, strategically adapted its sourcing to secure affordable energy while fully adhering to international norms," added sources.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not confirmed any change in policy and has made it clear that energy sourcing decisions remain based on price and national interest. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during his weekly briefing, “We take decisions based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time. As for the specifics of your particular question, I am not aware of it. I don’t have details of these specifics."

With Reuters, ANI Inputs

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