Russia has stated that India has not conveyed any decision to stop purchasing Russian oil. The clarification came amid claims made by the United States.
According to the Kremlin, no official message has been received from New Delhi regarding an oil import halt. This statement follows recent remarks by US President Donald Trump.
Trump claimed India agreed to stop buying Russian oil after a trade deal with Washington. However, Russian officials say they have heard nothing confirming this position.
US Claims Versus India’s Public Position
President Trump announced a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to end oil purchases from Russia.
Previously, the US imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian products. An additional penalty targeted India’s imports of Russian oil.
While Modi welcomed the tariff relief, he made no mention of halting oil imports. Therefore, uncertainty continues over India’s actual stance.
Why Russian Oil Matters to India
India has significantly increased its intake of Russian oil since 2022. This growth followed Western sanctions that forced Moscow to sell crude at discounted prices.
As a result, India benefited from lower energy costs. In 2024, Russia supplied nearly 36 percent of India’s total crude imports.
This amounted to around 1.8 million barrels per day. Consequently, Russian oil became central to India’s energy strategy.
Impact of US Tariffs on Oil Imports
After Washington imposed new tariffs, India’s Russian oil imports declined. Official data showed a 38 percent drop in monthly purchases.
Despite this decline, imports did not stop entirely. Instead, India appeared to adjust volumes rather than abandon Russian supply.
Meanwhile, Western nations continue urging partners to cut Russian energy revenue. They argue this income supports Moscow’s war effort.
Russia Reassures Long-Term Energy Supplies
Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed oil supply commitments during a visit to India in late 2025. He promised uninterrupted shipments despite global pressure.
This assurance highlighted the strategic depth of the relationship. Energy cooperation remains the backbone of bilateral trade.
In 2024–25, trade between India and Russia reached $68.7 billion. Energy exports dominated this figure.
By contrast, Indian exports to Russia remained under $5 billion. Therefore, oil continues to shape the economic partnership.
Strategic Silence Raises Questions
India’s lack of public confirmation has drawn attention. Analysts see this silence as deliberate and strategic.
On one hand, New Delhi seeks stable relations with Washington. On the other, it relies heavily on affordable Russian energy.
For now, Russia insists no formal shift has been communicated. As global pressure grows, India’s next move remains closely watched.
