U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly acknowledges India's potential decision to cease oil purchases from Russia, expressing approval as a positive move.
In the international oil market, a significant shift has occurred as Indian state-owned oil refiners have halted purchases of Russian crude oil since late July and early August 2025. This decision comes in response to narrowing price discounts on Russian oil and warnings from former US President Donald Trump of punitive tariffs for buyers of Russian oil [1][2].
Major Indian state refiners, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, have ceased acquiring Russian crude, marking a notable break in what has been a strong energy relationship since Russia's war in Ukraine began [1][2].
However, it is essential to clarify that neither the Indian government nor the Russian authorities have officially confirmed or denied the permanent cessation of these purchases. Indian officials have emphasized their "steady and time-tested partnership" with Russia and defended their right to energy security and independent foreign policy [3].
Interestingly, privately owned Indian refiners such as Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy continue to import Russian oil, with the latter being partly owned by Russia's Rosneft [2].
The temporary halt in purchases is consistent with Donald Trump's statement about India halting purchases, although the Indian government maintains its strategic partnership with Russia and has not officially announced a full cessation [1][2][3].
It is worth noting that the US, under Trump's administration, had imposed 25% tariffs on all exports to America, and Trump had criticized India for buying Russian oil [4]. However, the US has not made any official statement regarding the tariff threat on India.
India, the world's third-largest oil importer, is the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude [5]. The country's ties with the US have overcome several challenges, and the two nations share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties [6].
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not made any official statement regarding Trump's tariff threat, while the external affairs ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, has defended India's procurement of energy and defense hardware from Russia [7].
Recently, Trump criticized India for maintaining high tariffs and obnoxious trade barriers on Truth Social [8]. However, it is essential to mention that Trump's remarks followed his previous tirade against India for buying Russian oil and the White House's decision to impose 25% tariffs on all exports to America.
Despite these challenges, India remains focused on the substantive agenda with the US and is confident that the relationship will continue to move forward [9]. India's ties with the US have the potential for growing, particularly in the defense partnership sector.
In conclusion, the temporary halt in Russian oil purchases by Indian state refiners is a significant development in the international oil market. While the Indian government maintains its strategic partnership with Russia, the future of this relationship remains uncertain as both nations navigate the complexities of global trade and geopolitics.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and general news, the temporary halt in purchases of Russian crude oil by major Indian state refiners has raised questions about India's international policy, particularly with regard to its relationship with Russia.
- The cricket field isn't the only arena where India and the US are trying to gain an advantage; their relationship in the domain of policy and politics is also a fierce competition, as evidenced by the ongoing tensions surrounding Indian imports of Russian oil and potential US tariffs.
- Amidst the international general news and policy discussions, India's position on its energy needs and foreign policy, as demonstrated by its decisions regarding Russian oil, is receiving increased attention and scrutiny.
