Has India Stopped Importing Russian Oil—Fact or Fiction?
🔎 Introduction
Recently former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that “India has ceased importing oil from Russia.” But is that accurate? Let’s dive into the data and broader context.
đź“Š What Do the Facts Say?
• State-owned refiners have paused purchases
As of late July 2025, Indian state-owned refiners like Indian Oil Corp, BPCL, HPCL and MRPL have halted orders for Russian crude due to price pressure and potential U.S. sanctions.
• Private refineries continue buying
Private companies such as Reliance and Nayara Energy are still importing significant quantities of Russian oil, taking advantage of existing contracts and margins.
• Overall imports still substantial
In June–July 2025, Russia accounted for about 35–36% of India’s total oil imports—roughly 1.5 to 2 million barrels per day.
âś… So, Did India Stop Buying Russian Oil?
No—not entirely. India’s state refiners paused, but private ones still import. Russia remains a top supplier, and India’s overall import strategy is still pragmatically aligned with affordability.
🧠Broader Context: Strategy & Economic Reality
• Why did India buy Russian oil?
Post-Ukraine war, Russia offered steep discounts. India increased its imports from under 1% in 2021 to over 35% in 2025 to secure energy and control inflation.
• Now India is diversifying
As discounts narrow and pressure mounts, India is buying more from Middle East, U.S. and West Africa.
• Strategic balancing act
India aims for strategic autonomy, navigating ties with both the U.S. and Russia while protecting national interests.
⚖️ Verdict: Trump’s Claim vs Reality
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| India has ceased importing Russian oil | False — only state refiners paused |
| India no longer buys from Russia | Contradicted by data — Russia still top supplier |
| Imports are down due to U.S. pressure | Partly true — pressure affected state firms |
🧠Final Thoughts (Human Mindset Angle)
This scenario highlights a key lesson in mindset and governance:
- Economic pragmatism: India does what’s best for its economy.
- Strategic autonomy: India doesn't blindly follow any bloc.
- Adaptive mindset: India changes course as geopolitics shift.
Trump’s claim oversimplifies. In reality, India continues to prioritize its own interests—not rhetorical posturing.