Trump Asserts India to Halt Russian Oil Purchases Amid Tariff Tensions, Data Tells a Different Story
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India has promised to reduce its imports of Russian seaborne crude oil in the near future, following the imposition of steep U.S. tariffs on New Delhi for continuing such purchases. Trump also indicated plans to press China, another major buyer, to follow suit as part of broader efforts to diminish Moscow’s oil revenues amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
India and China remain the primary destinations for Russia’s seaborne crude shipments. Speaking to reporters, Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given him assurances on the matter. “He has assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia… You know, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon,” the president remarked.
Trump linked the potential shift to his diplomatic goals, noting that curbing Indian purchases of Russian oil would “make it much easier” for him to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He added, “…They will go back to Russia after the war is over.”
New Delhi’s Stance Remains Firm
Indian officials offered no immediate response to verify or refute Trump’s comments. Throughout the tariff dispute, New Delhi has steadfastly justified its oil acquisitions from Russia—a longstanding ally—despite the latter’s military actions in Ukraine. Authorities in India have emphasized that these imports are essential for maintaining affordable energy costs and supporting economic stability at home, while dismissing the U.S. penalties as unwarranted.
The Trump administration recently levied an extra 25 percent tariff on India specifically tied to its Russian oil dealings, elevating the cumulative U.S. duties on Indian goods to 50 percent—one of the steepest rates globally. Notably, India stands alone among major economies in facing these so-called “secondary tariffs,” despite China’s parallel role as a significant purchaser of Russian crude.
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Import Figures Paint a Contrasting Picture
Contrary to Trump’s assertion, recent trade statistics indicate Russia continues to dominate as India’s leading oil supplier. Analysis from Kpler, a firm tracking commodities and shipping, reveals that India handled 34 percent of Russia’s incoming crude shipments in September, even as overall imports declined by 10 percent during the first eight months of 2025.
Kpler’s figures show September’s crude intake exceeding 4.5 million barrels per day—up 70,000 barrels from August but marginally lower than the previous year. Between June and September, India’s state-run refineries cut Russian oil volumes by more than 45 percent, yet this adjustment appeared driven by fluctuating market conditions rather than U.S. tariff pressures or backlash from Europe over India’s wartime commerce with Russia.
Projections for October suggest steady flows, with bilateral oil trade hovering around 1.6 million barrels per day.