The figures come amid claims by US President Donald Trump and members of his administration that India would curtail purchases of Russian oil in return for Washington lowering tariffs on Indian exports. New Delhi has neither confirmed nor denied those assertions, instead reiterating that its energy procurement strategy is guided by market conditions and changing global circumstances.
At the same time, imports of crude oil from the United States showed a marked increase on an annual basis. India bought $569.3 million worth of US crude in December 2025, nearly 31 per cent higher than in December the previous year. In volume terms, imports rose to 1.1 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 58 per cent.
Month-on-month figures, however, showed a decline in US oil imports compared with November, when purchases had surged to a seven-month high. Analysts said the December drop reflected normal fluctuations rather than a reversal of the broader trend.
Overall, the data points to a more diversified import strategy. In December 2025, India sourced crude oil from 19 countries, up from 16 a year earlier. Of these, 10 suppliers increased their share in India’s oil basket, while nine saw their shares decline.
The shift underscores India’s efforts to balance energy security with price considerations and geopolitical risks, as it adjusts its import mix in response to evolving international dynamics.
With agency inputs
