In the heat of global geopolitics and energy realignments, a simple question has sparked intense debate:

Has India stopped buying Russian oil?

The short answer: not entirely.

The long answer? It’s complicated—and fascinating.

Recent reports from late July to early August 2025 suggest that Indian state owned refiners which process the majority of the country’s oil, have temporarily paused their spot purchases of Russian crude.

But this isn’t an official halt, nor is it a wholesale exit from Russian energy. It’s something more subtle, more calculated: a nuanced recalibration of India’s oil procurement strategy amid shrinking discounts and increasing geopolitical pressure, especially from the United States.

While there’s no official confirmation of a full halt, and private refiners continue importing under long-term contracts, the move signals a nuanced recalibration of India’s energy strategy. The reasons are twofold: shrinking price discounts on Russian crude and mounting geopolitical risks, including Trump’s warnings of 100% tariffs on nations buying Russian oil unless Moscow strikes a peace deal with Ukraine.

A Calculated Pause, Not a Full Retreat

Since the Ukraine war began, India’s oil imports from Russia surged from near zero to nearly 40% of its total crude purchases, turning Moscow into its top supplier. But in late July 2025, state-run giants like Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum reportedly stopped new spot purchases, opting instead for Middle Eastern and West African crude.

The immediate trigger? Russian oil is no longer the bargain it once was. Discounts on Urals crude have narrowed to just $3–$6 per barrel, down from $30–$40 at the peak of Western sanctions. With alternative suppliers like Abu Dhabi’s Murban and U.S. shale oil now competitive, India’s state refiners are reassessing.

But economics alone doesn’t explain the timing. Trump’s escalating tariff threats loom large. In July, he warned of 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil unless Moscow agrees to a Ukraine peace deal—a deadline later moved to August 8, 2025. Days later, he imposed a 25% tariff on all Indian goods, with additional penalties hinted at for India’s continued energy and arms trade with Russia.

India’s Tightrope Walk: Energy Security vs. U.S. Demands

New Delhi has carefully avoided framing this as a political concession. The Ministry of External Affairs insists India’s energy purchases are “based on national interest and market dynamics.” There’s no formal ban on Russian oil, and private refiners like Reliance and Nayara Energy continue imports under term deals.

Yet the geopolitical subtext is clear. India, while asserting its strategic autonomy, cannot ignore the risk of U.S. secondary sanctions or trade penalties.

The pause by state refiners—who handle 60% of India’s refining capacity—suggests a hedging strategy: r

Politics

Has India Stopped Buying Oil From Russia? A Strategic Pause Under U.S. Pressure

India’s Waqf Amendment Bill: A Reform or a Threat to Muslim Autonomy?

Indian Gov to Send Notice to Google Regarding Alleged ‘Illegal’ Response by its AI Gemini to Question on PM Modi

5 Promises Made By Modi Govt That Failed By 2022

Pakistan’s FM Bilawal Bhutto Makes Highly Charged Comment About Indian Prime Minister, India Objects

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Sworn In As Himachal CM: 4 Things To Know About Him

BR Ambedkar Death Anniversary: 11 Greatest Quotes By Babasaheb

Navy Day Celebrations To Be Held Out Of Delhi For The First Time

Twitter Vs Modi Government has a Potential to Harm India’s Interest Internationally and Threaten Free Speech

International Rights Bodies Downgrading India are Hypocrites, Says Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar

India is Now Only ‘Partly Free’ – Freedom in the World Report Downgrades Country’s Status

Protesting or Social Media Posts can Now Cost You Gov Job, Passport, Loan Refusal in Bihar and Uttarakhand

“Picture of the Day,” People are Hilariously Calling Mamata and Modi Sitting Together as One

BJP MP’s Wife Joins TMC, Serves Divorce Notice

Retired judges, Lawyers, Civil Servants Slam ‘Those Criticizing Contempt Order’

COVID Vaccine to Rail Link, India Seeks Improved Delhi-Dhaka Ties to Counter China

Joe Biden Promises to Stand with India Against Chinese Aggression if Elected US President

Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Ignored for BJP Leader’s Hate Speech to Protect its Business

‘Lakhs and Lakhs Can’t Be Quarantined’- Mamata Govt Allows Confirmed COVID-19 Patients to Self-Quarantine at Home

Delhi Election Results-10 Reasons why Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP Won

Pak Minister Tries to Divide Indian Sikh Soldiers Gets a Befitting Reply

Indian Government rushes 28,000 more paramilitary personnel to Kashmir Valley, but Why?

What are Electoral Bonds, its Success or Failure in Curbing Black Money in India

Why I just love Modi? And I don’t care what you think!