India’s Russian oil imports surged to a record 2 million barrels per day in August 2025-about 38% of the country’s total crude purchases-even as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly refuted claims that India is the biggest buyer.
He underscored that China and the EU continue to outpace India’s purchases and that energy imports from the US have increased. Washington is set to impose new 25% tariffs from August 27 in response, but both Indian and Russian officials maintain the oil partnership will continue, thanks to new “special mechanisms” to bypass sanctions and tariffs.
Sharp Surge in Russian Oil Despite Tariffs
India’s state refiners resumed large-scale imports of Russian crude in August after a brief pause stemming from US tariff threats. Official shipping data reveals Russian oil accounted for 38% of India’s total crude supply-2 million barrels per day-outpacing 2024’s record and reducing reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers like Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Indian authorities say discounted Russian oil is key to controlling consumer fuel prices and inflation, and note that the US-while increasing its own oil exports to India-continues to criticise New Delhi’s pragmatic purchase strategy. “We are not the biggest… that credit actually goes to China,” Jaishankar said in Moscow.
Russia, India Expand “Special Mechanisms” Amid Sanctions
Despite mounting Western pressure, both Russia and India appear determined to sustain energy ties. Russian officials in New Delhi reaffirmed that oil flows to India will remain steady, regardless of US tariffs or warnings. Russia has reportedly established a “very special mechanism” to handle trade and payments for Indian buyers-including deals using rupees-to navigate around financial and shipping hurdles created by US and EU sanctions.
Bilateral trade is rising, targeting $100 billion by 2030. Russian Charge d’Affaires Roman Babushkin described Western censure as “unjustified,” called Russia the “partner of choice,” and asserted that punitive measures harm the sanctioning countries more than India or Russia.
Balancing Energy Security, Geopolitical Risks
India’s oil import profile has profoundly shifted since 2022: Russian supplies ballooned from just 1.7% of India’s crude imports in 2019–20 to more than 35% in 2024–25. While Putin plans a state visit to New Delhi later this year, Washington has escalated rhetoric and action, threatening even broader tariffs and possible secondary sanctions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent labelled India’s strategy “unacceptable” and warned of sanctions up to 100% on Indian exports if Russian oil deals persist. New Delhi continues to insist that its import decisions are purely “guided by national interest and market conditions” and points out that the EU and China import even more Russian energy.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s steady reliance on Russian oil is a testament to the nation’s commitment to affordable energy for its people, even as it risks diplomatic fallout from the West. As Russia and India engineer novel trade solutions, the episode highlights the urgency for fairer, more resilient global energy frameworks.
True progress demands empathy, dialogue, and acceptance of each nation’s unique priorities-without scapegoating or double standards.
