Russia's oil sales to India remain uninterrupted, according to government insiders
In the first half of 2025, India has maintained its oil imports from Russia, with approximately 1.75 million barrels per day, marking a 1% increase from the previous year [1]. This decision, however, has not been without controversy, as the U.S. has threatened penalties for countries continuing to purchase oil from Russia.
Despite these threats, Indian government sources have denied any change in policy regarding Russian oil purchases, contradicting claims made by former U.S. President Trump [2]. The Indian government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the temporary halt in Russian oil purchases by state refiners, such as Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd [3].
The EU sanctions have caused disruptions in the supply chain of Russian oil to India, potentially impacting India's energy security [4]. This is particularly evident in the case of Nayara Energy, a major oil importer in India, whose operations have been affected by the EU sanctions [5]. Three vessels carrying oil products from Nayara Energy have been delayed in discharging their cargoes due to these sanctions [6].
The narrowing discounts on Russian oil exports, caused by lower Russian exports and steady demand, have also led Indian refiners to pull back from Russian crude [7]. However, key private refiners like Reliance Industries continue to process a significant portion of Russian crude imports.
In a recent development, Nayara Energy's chief executive resigned following the imposition of EU sanctions, with company veteran Sergey Denisov appointed as the new CEO [8].
India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India looks at available markets and global circumstances when making energy sourcing decisions [9]. He also emphasised that India has a steady and time-tested partnership with Russia [10].
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding India's oil purchases from Russia [11]. India has long-term oil contracts with Russia, making it the top oil supplier to India, accounting for approximately 35% of India's overall supplies [12].
Despite the geopolitical pressures and potential U.S. sanctions, India's approach to Russian oil imports suggests a careful balance between national interests and external pressures.
[1] Reuters, Indian state refiners pause Russian oil purchases due to narrowing discounts, 2025. [2] The New York Times, Indian Officials Deny Change in Policy on Russian Oil Purchases, 2025. [3] Bloomberg, Indian State Refiners Halt Russian Oil Buying, 2025. [4] Financial Express, EU Sanctions Disrupt Russian Oil Supply Chain to India, 2025. [5] Reuters, Nayara Energy Delays as EU Sanctions Hit Russian Oil Imports, 2025. [6] The Economic Times, Nayara Energy Vessels Delayed Due to EU Sanctions, 2025. [7] Reuters, Indian Refiners Pull Back from Russian Crude, 2025. [8] The Hindu BusinessLine, Nayara Energy Chief Resigns, Sergey Denisov Appointed as New CEO, 2025. [9] ANI News, India Looks at Available Markets and Global Circumstances for Energy Sourcing: Jaiswal, 2025. [10] The Hindu, India-Russia Partnership Steady and Time-Tested: Jaiswal, 2025. [11] CNN, White House Silent on India's Oil Purchases from Russia, 2025. [12] Oil Price, Russia Remains Top Oil Supplier to India, 2025.
- In the midst of controversies over India's oil imports from Russia, Indian government sources have maintained that there's no change in policy regarding Russian oil purchases.
- Recently, India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India considers available markets and global circumstances when making energy sourcing decisions.
- A major oil importer in India, Nayara Energy, has been affected by EU sanctions, causing delays in the discharge of oil cargoes from three vessels.
- Despite U.S. threats for penalties, India's oil imports from Russia have seen a 1% increase and account for approximately 35% of India's overall oil supplies, with Russia remaining the top oil supplier to India.
