India’s imports of Russian crude oil remained robust in the first half of September, slightly above levels recorded in July and August. Preliminary tanker data shows that New Delhi’s appetite for Moscow’s discounted oil continues undeterred, even after U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up criticism in July and imposed fresh tariffs on Indian goods in early August.
According to vessel tracking firm Kpler, India imported about 1.73 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude between September 1 and 16. This compares with 1.59 million bpd in July and 1.66 million bpd in August. Crude loadings at Russian ports for India during the same period stood at 1.22 million bpd, though industry sources suggest actual volumes could reach 1.6 million bpd, as many tankers heading via Egypt’s Port Said are expected to discharge in India.
Contract Cycle Cushions Immediate Impact
Industry experts note that Russian oil contracts are typically signed six to eight weeks ahead of delivery. This means the September arrivals reflect deals made in July, before Trump’s latest tariff threats. The real test of U.S. pressure on India’s crude purchases will be visible in late September and October deliveries.
Washington’s Strategy vs. India’s Position
The Trump administration has argued that India’s heavy purchases of Russian crude undermine efforts to squeeze Moscow’s revenues and end the Ukraine war. Washington has slapped 25% secondary tariffs on Indian goods in addition to existing duties, framing them as penalties for New Delhi’s oil trade with Moscow.
India, however, has called these actions “unjustified and unreasonable,” maintaining that it will continue sourcing crude wherever it finds the best price. Officials emphasize that Russian oil is not under sanctions—only subject to a Western price cap tied to shipping and insurance services. Refiners have confirmed that they have received no instructions from the government to reduce Russian imports.
Economics Driving the Trend
Industry insiders stress that recent fluctuations in import volumes have been driven by narrowing discounts on Russian oil rather than U.S. political pressure. Russia, which accounted for less than 2% of India’s oil imports before the Ukraine war, has rapidly risen to become New Delhi’s top crude supplier, displacing traditional West Asian exporters. Today, Russia supplies more than a third of India’s total oil imports.
For India—the world’s third-largest oil consumer, importing nearly 88% of its crude needs—cheap Russian oil has saved billions in foreign exchange over the past three years. Despite U.S. tariffs raising costs for Indian exporters, New Delhi is unlikely to compromise its strategic autonomy or energy security by cutting Russian crude purchases in the near term.