India to keep buying Russian oil despite Trump’s threats, NYT reports
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Despite threats of sanctions from the administration of US President Donald Trump, India will continue importing Russian crude oil, according to The New York Times.
Last week, Trump warned of possible additional tariffs on Indian imports if New Delhi does not stop buying Russian oil.
However, sources in India confirmed to the publication that no official instructions to reduce supplies have been issued, and the policy toward Russia remains unchanged.
Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that bilateral relations with Russia carry their own weight and cannot be judged through the lens of third countries.
He also recalled the long-term partnership between the two countries.
India is currently the second-largest importer of Russian oil after China, purchasing over two million barrels daily.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia’s share in India’s oil imports has grown from less than 1% to over one-third.
Pressure from the US
In the first months following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, New Delhi faced significant international pressure to reduce economic ties with Moscow.
However, over time, the West's position became more flexible, agreeing to purchase Russian oil within a set price cap aimed at curbing global energy price rises.
The publication notes that US threats may be part of negotiation tactics, as India and the United States are currently in talks over a bilateral trade agreement.
Meanwhile, other major importers of Russian oil, such as China and Turkey, have not faced similar sanctions.
Will India give up Russian oil?
Following Donald Trump's statements about possible sanctions, India is not rushing to sever ties with Moscow.
New Delhi stresses that the strategic partnership with Russia remains unchanged, and the US position is not viewed as decisive.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal indicated that the country’s foreign policy is formed independently, and relations with Russia rest on a "steady and time-tested" foundation.
At the same time, the diplomat made a gesture toward Washington, highlighting the importance of Indo-American cooperation based on shared values and interests.
These statements came amid Reuters reports of a temporary halt in Russian oil purchases by Indian state-owned refineries.
It is known that private giants Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy remain the largest importers of Russian crude.
However, state enterprises are responsible for the majority of refining capacity in the country — over 60%.
