WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI – October 17, 2025 — Conflicting reports have emerged over India’s purchases of Russian crude oil, with a White House official claiming that New Delhi has halved its Russian oil imports, while Indian industry insiders maintain that no such cuts have occurred.
The discrepancy highlights growing tensions in US–India trade negotiations, as President Donald Trump’s administration presses its allies to curb energy ties with Moscow amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
US Pressures India Over Russian Oil Purchases
According to a senior White House official, talks with an Indian delegation in Washington this week were “productive,” and Indian refiners had already reduced Russian oil imports by 50 percent. The Biden administration contends that Russia’s oil revenues are helping to finance its war effort in Ukraine, making energy trade a focal point of international sanctions enforcement.
However, multiple Indian industry sources contradicted the US assertion, saying they had not received any official directive to scale back Russian crude imports.
“Refiners have already placed orders for November loadings, including some cargoes arriving in December,” one source said. “Any cuts would likely appear in December or January import data, if at all.”
Trump Says Modi Agreed to Halt Russian Oil, But India Disputes Claim
On Wednesday, President Trump told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would stop buying Russian oil altogether. Yet, India’s Ministry of External Affairs denied knowledge of any such phone conversation between the two leaders that day.
Meanwhile, India’s oil minister has reportedly asked refiners to submit detailed import data on Russian crude for the months of November and December, signaling that review processes are underway but not confirming any immediate reductions.
India’s Russian Oil Imports Remain Strong
According to commodity analytics firm Kpler, India’s imports of Russian crude are actually set to rise 20% in October, reaching 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd) as Moscow increases exports following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries.
India remains Russia’s largest buyer of seaborne oil, having capitalized on discounted prices since Western sanctions began in 2022. Between April and September 2025, Russia accounted for 36% of India’s total crude imports, equivalent to 1.75 million bpd, trade data shows.
Oil Prices React Amid Global Uncertainty
Oil markets responded cautiously to the conflicting reports. On Friday, Brent crude futures slipped $0.48, or 0.79%, to $60.58 per barrel as traders awaited clarity on global supply disruptions.
The market remains volatile as Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss potential peace terms in upcoming talks, which could reshape energy trade dynamics and price stability.
Trade Deal Stalls as Energy Disputes Deepen
India’s purchases of Russian oil have become a major obstacle in US–India trade negotiations. Trump’s administration has imposed 50% tariffs on certain Indian exports — half of which, officials say, are direct retaliation for continued Russian oil buying.
When Prime Minister Modi visited Washington earlier this year, India pledged to double its annual U.S. energy imports to $25 billion, with both nations targeting $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
However, trade talks have since floundered, as Washington insists that curbing Russian oil imports is key to reducing tariffs and finalizing a broader deal. In an effort to rebalance trade, Indian refiners are reportedly looking to purchase at least 10% of their LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) from the United States.
Moscow Confident in Energy Partnership
Despite US pressure, the Kremlin has expressed confidence that its energy partnership with India will remain strong. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Russia could offer even cheaper oil supplies to nations facing US trade retaliation.
“Russia’s energy cooperation with India is built on mutual benefit and long-term stability,” Peskov stated, dismissing claims that US pressure would meaningfully alter the relationship.
Outlook: Energy, Diplomacy, and Global Markets
As the world’s third-largest oil importer, India finds itself balancing between energy security and geopolitical pressure. Reducing dependence on Russian oil could please Washington but may also raise domestic fuel costs and inflation — politically sensitive issues ahead of India’s next general election.
Analysts warn that if India indeed halves its Russian oil imports, it could strain supplies and drive up prices globally, underscoring the geopolitical weight of India’s energy decisions in 2025.
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