August 18, 2025: India has substantially increased its crude oil imports from Russia, receiving 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in August 2025. This accounts for 38% of the country’s total crude oil imports, reflecting a marked shift in India’s oil sourcing strategy away from traditional suppliers such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Industry data shows that imports from Iraq declined to 730,000 bpd in August, down from 907,000 bpd in July, while Saudi Arabia’s shipments decreased to 526,000 bpd from 700,000 bpd over the same period. The move towards Russian crude has been largely driven by cost advantages, as discounted Russian oil provides Indian refiners with a more economical option compared to Middle Eastern supplies.
The increased reliance on Russian oil has drawn international scrutiny. U.S. trade adviser Peter Navarro criticized India’s purchases, suggesting that continued imports indirectly support Russia’s ongoing military activities in Ukraine. Navarro also cautioned that India’s strengthening ties with Russia and China could influence its relations with the United States.
In response, the United States has raised tariffs on Indian goods, bringing the total to 50%, as part of broader efforts to influence India’s foreign trade and geopolitical orientation.
Despite the growing imports from Russia, India is pursuing strategies to secure long-term energy stability. The government has launched deepwater exploration projects to boost domestic oil and gas output, aiming to reduce dependency on a single source and enhance energy self-sufficiency.
India’s increased Russian oil imports underscore a pragmatic approach to securing energy at competitive prices, while simultaneously navigating complex geopolitical considerations. As global energy markets continue to evolve, India’s procurement strategies will play a key role in shaping the nation’s economic and energy landscape.
