India's crude oil imports from Russia in August 2025 reached €2.9 billion (about $3.4 billion), nearly matching China’s imports of €3.1 billion ($3.64 billion), despite intense US pressure to reduce such purchases. India's imports increased from €2.7 billion in July, while China’s declined from €4.1 billion during the same period.

The US has imposed a 25% supplementary tariff on Indian exports as a penalty for continuing to buy Russian oil, without applying similar measures to other major buyers. Additionally, former US President Donald Trump has urged the European Union to enforce tariffs up to 100% on Chinese and Indian products to compel them to limit energy trade with Russia.

India's total imports of Russian fossil fuels in August amounted to €3.6 billion, the second-largest globally after China’s €5.7 billion. These included crude oil worth €2.9 billion, coal imports valued at €510 million, and refined petroleum products at €282 million. China’s portfolio included €553 million in oil products, €855 million in coal, and €676 million in pipeline gas.

Turkey ranked third as a buyer of Russian fossil fuels with imports totalling €3 billion, dominated by pipeline gas (€1.2 billion), oil products (€1 billion), crude oil (€596 million), and coal (€225 million). The EU was fourth with €1.2 billion in Russian fossil fuel imports, primarily LNG, pipeline gas, and crude oil. South Korea was fifth.

India has strongly pushed back against US pressure, arguing that singling out India is unfair when China, the EU, and others continue to import significant amounts of Russian energy. Although the US has not directly sanctioned Russian oil, it has set a price ceiling to regulate imports below a certain value.

The sustained Russian crude imports by India highlight its strategic priorities and assertiveness in energy procurement amidst geopolitical tensions and economic consequences from US tariffs. India’s importers have reportedly benefited from discounted pricing, contributing to refinery profit margins, while the government defends the policy as a matter of national interest.

This import trend occurs against the backdrop of broader global energy trade shifts, with China leading Russian crude and coal imports and Turkey as a major importer of Russian oil products and gas. The US continues diplomatic and economic efforts to isolate Russia economically but faces resistance from key energy buyers like India who balance economic and strategic imperatives.

Agencies