Trump: India to End Russian Oil Imports by Year-End
- By Thetripurapost Desk, NewYork
- Oct 23, 2025
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US President Donald Trump has reiterated that India is steadily reducing its oil imports from Russia and will virtually eliminate them by the end of the year, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally assured him of this commitment.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said,
“Oil purchases are something that’s not going to stop immediately, but they’ll be reducing it to zero by the end of the year. I just spoke with Prime Minister Modi about this yesterday. This is a big deal—it’s about 40 percent of oil.”
This marks the fifth time in a week that the US President has raised the issue of Russian oil purchases by India.
Trump’s Previous Remarks on Indian Oil Imports
Trump has repeatedly referred to conversations with PM Modi regarding Russian oil:
October 15: “Modi assured me that India will not buy oil from Russia, which is a major step.”
October 17: “India will not buy oil from Russia—they used to buy 38% earlier and are now pulling back.”
October 19: “If India imports oil from Russia, they’ll face heavy tariffs. Modi said they won’t need to do that.”
October 21: “Modi assured me that India will reduce its oil purchases from Russia. He wants the war to end, just as I do.”
‘China and Russia Became Close Due to Obama and Biden’: Trump
Trump also took aim at former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, blaming their foreign policies for pushing Russia and China closer together.
“Russia and China have historically not had a very good relationship, but thanks to the policies of Biden and Obama, the two countries are now closer. They shouldn’t have been this close,” Trump said.
US Sanctions Target India to Pressure Russia
The Trump administration has imposed economic sanctions and tariffs on India to reduce Moscow’s revenue from oil exports.
According to White House Press Secretary Carolina Levitt, the aim is to apply secondary pressure on Russia to force an end to the Ukraine war.
So far, the US has imposed 50 tariffs on India, including a 25% reciprocal tariff and a 25% penalty on Russian oil imports.
The reciprocal tariffs came into effect on August 7.
The penalties followed on August 27.
Trump has argued that Russia is funding its war in Ukraine with the money it receives from India’s oil payments.
India Still Relies Heavily on Russian Oil
Despite US pressure, Russia remains India’s top oil supplier.
According to commodity tracker Kpler, Russia accounted for 34% of India’s total oil imports in September 2025, though the volume dropped by 10% compared to the first eight months of the year.
August 2025: India imported 1.72 million barrels per day (bpd) from Russia.
September 2025: The figure declined slightly to 1.61 million bpd.
Analysts say the decline reflects India’s efforts to diversify supplies amid US pressure, even as private refiners like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy have increased their purchases.
How the Russian Oil Partnership Began
After the Russia–Ukraine war began in February 2022, Europe imposed sweeping sanctions on Russian oil, forcing Moscow to redirect its exports to Asia.
In 2021, India imported only 0.2% of its oil from Russia.
By 2025, Russia became India’s largest supplier, meeting about 37% of India’s oil demand — an average of 1.67 million barrels per day.
Why India Cannot Stop Immediately
Experts point out several reasons India continues to import Russian oil despite Western pressure:
Cheaper Prices:
Russia still offers discounted oil compared to other global suppliers — though the discount has narrowed from $30 to $3–6 per barrel.
Long-Term Contracts:
Indian refiners have multi-year agreements with Russian companies.
For instance, in December 2024, Reliance Industries signed a 10-year deal to import 500,000 barrels per day.
Global Market Stability:
If India halts Russian imports, the global oil supply would shrink, potentially causing a spike in prices. After the 2022 invasion, crude prices briefly hit $137 per barrel.
Alternative Oil Sources for India
India imports over 80% of its oil requirements and sources crude from several nations besides Russia:
Iraq: Supplies 21% of India’s imports; second-largest supplier.
Saudi Arabia: Provides about 15% (around 700,000 bpd).
United States: Supplied 271,000 bpd between January and June 2025, double the previous year; reached 7% in July.
Nigeria & African Nations: Increasing exports to Indian refiners.
UAE (Murban Crude) and new Latin American suppliers like Guyana and Brazil offer alternatives, though at higher prices.
The Road Ahead
While Washington insists that New Delhi end Russian oil imports, analysts believe India will phase out purchases gradually, balancing strategic autonomy with economic realities.
A senior Indian energy expert noted,
“India cannot afford a sudden stop. It will adjust its energy mix while protecting national interests.”