India Halts Russian Oil Imports Amid US Pressure
India has suspended almost all crude oil imports from Russia after facing intensified United States pressure and growing concerns over Western sanctions.
According to Bloomberg, India has not placed December orders for Russian crude, breaking its usual monthly practice of confirming purchases.
The decision marks a significant policy shift as energy trade with Russia once accounted for a major portion of India’s imports.
Reports reveal that all five major Indian refineries avoided placing fresh orders for Russian oil amid fears of secondary sanctions.
The state-owned Indian Oil Corporation also confirmed buying only from suppliers not under international or Western restrictions to ensure compliance.
Washington recently imposed a 50 percent tariff on Russian oil imports to discourage India’s continued trade with Moscow’s sanctioned economy.
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US President Donald Trump accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s “war machine” in Ukraine through ongoing crude oil purchases.
Following the criticism, New Delhi reportedly assured Washington of gradually reducing its reliance on Russian oil in upcoming months.
The development indicates a major change in India’s energy policy and its evolving stance on international geopolitical trade pressures.
Analysts believe India seeks to maintain diplomatic balance while protecting its broader economic interests and international partnerships.
Russia had become India’s key crude supplier since 2022, helping stabilize domestic fuel prices during global market volatility.
However, India’s latest move underscores efforts to avoid sanctions, realign import sources, and strengthen ties with Middle Eastern energy partners.
