India has once again made it clear that its energy policy is determined by its national interests, not by external pressures. Despite warnings from former US President Donald Trump and tariff threats from the United States, India will continue to buy crude oil from Russia. According to a Reuters report, two senior government officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that India and Russia have several long-term oil contracts that cannot be terminated abruptly.
Ministry of External Affairs Provided Information
Last Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in a press conference that India's decision to purchase oil is based on market availability, price, and domestic needs. He also stated that India and Russia have a long-standing, stable, and tested relationship that cannot be weighed against the opinion of a third country. According to the spokesperson, any decision India makes takes international circumstances and its own interests into account.
Trump's Rhetoric Intensifies
Donald Trump recently stated that India may soon stop buying oil from Russia. He called it a "good step," but also admitted that he had only heard this information and could not confirm it. Trump made this comment at a time when the US has begun to put pressure on India and other countries regarding trade with Russia.
Additionally, in July, Trump threatened to impose import duties of up to 100 percent on countries that buy oil from Russia if the war between Russia and Ukraine did not stop. Furthermore, on his social media platform, Trump criticized India's economic partnership with Russia, even saying that if India maintains its relationship with Russia, it may suffer the consequences of its weak economy.
US Increases Tariffs on Imports
From August 1st, the US has imposed a 25 percent import duty on goods coming from India. This move is seen as a strategy to put economic pressure on India. Trump has previously accused India of having a high tariff policy that causes the US to suffer trade deficits. He stated that US trade with India is limited because India imposes very high duties on many products.
India is the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer. Due to its rapidly growing population and industrial needs, India needs a reliable supply at affordable rates. Russia has become a major source for meeting this need. According to data, from January to June 2025, India imported an average of 1.75 million barrels of oil per day from Russia. This figure is slightly higher than last year.
Currently, Russia is India's largest oil supplier, meeting approximately 35 percent of the country's total needs. In addition, countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates remain major oil suppliers for India.
India-Russia Contracts Will Not Be Broken
According to government sources, the oil supply contracts between India and Russia are long-term and cannot be unilaterally or hastily canceled. One official stated that these contracts were made from both a commercial and strategic perspective, and changes are not possible suddenly. Additionally, Russia sells oil to India at a discounted price, which has a positive impact on India's energy costs.
Increasing Political Activity in the US
In light of the upcoming elections in the US, there appears to be increasing strictness against countries that have close ties with Russia and China. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also recently stated that India's purchase of oil from Russia could be a matter of concern for US-India relations. However, he also said that differences in foreign policy between friendly countries are normal.
Relations between India and the US have grown significantly closer in recent years, but tensions have sometimes arisen regarding India's oil and defense cooperation with Russia. The US believes that all countries should adhere to the sanctions imposed against Russia. However, India has always made it clear that it does not come under any international pressure and determines its policy based on its own interests.
Emphasis Will Remain on Oil Prices and Offers
India's oil purchasing policy considers which country in the global market is offering the best price and offers. If Russia is giving India oil at a discount and its supply remains consistent, it will remain a major supplier for India. Government officials stated that there is currently no possibility of any change in this policy.
The information and statements so far indicate that India is currently not in the mood to stop buying oil from Russia. Even if the US puts pressure or increases tariffs, India will continue to prioritize its energy security and make decisions according to market conditions.
