New Delhi, August 2, 2025 (India news reporter). India has reaffirmed its commitment to purchasing crude oil from Russia, dismissing claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that the country had halted such imports. Sources cited by the news agency ANI confirmed that Indian oil refineries, including state-run companies like Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, continue to source oil from Russian suppliers, guided by market dynamics and national interests.
The development comes amid heightened trade tensions between India and the United States, following Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian exports, effective August 7, 2025, along with an unspecified penalty for India’s trade ties with Russia. Trump’s remarks were based on reports suggesting that Indian state refiners had paused Russian oil purchases due to declining discounts and logistical challenges. However, Indian officials and industry sources have refuted these claims, asserting that no such halt has occurred.
“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,” Trump said on August 1, 2025, in response to a question by ANI. Contradicting this, government sources emphasized that India’s energy procurement decisions are driven by price, crude oil quality, inventory needs, logistics, and other economic factors. “We are not aware of any reports indicating a halt in Russian oil imports,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, relies on Russia for approximately 40% of its crude oil needs, a relationship that strengthened after Western sanctions on Moscow in 2022 led to discounted Russian oil supplies. While some reports suggested Indian refiners were exploring alternatives in the Middle East and Africa, sources clarified that Russian imports remain a key component of India’s energy strategy.
The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to energy security and a diversified oil import portfolio. “India and Russia share a steady and time-tested partnership,” Jaiswal added, underscoring that bilateral ties are guided by mutual interests and not influenced by third-party pressures.
Trump’s tariff announcement and comments on India’s Russian oil purchases have sparked concerns about potential strains in India-U.S. relations. New Delhi, however, remains focused on securing a fair and mutually beneficial trade agreement with Washington while prioritizing its energy needs and economic stability.
