India Defies Trump’s Threats, Vows to Keep Buying Russian Oil

India has made it clear that it will continue buying oil from Russia despite threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Two Indian government officials confirmed that there is no policy change regarding Russian crude imports.

They insisted that energy decisions remain based on national interest, not foreign pressure.

“These are long-term oil contracts,” one official explained. “We can’t just halt purchases overnight.”

Trump recently warned countries purchasing Russian oil and arms would face heavy tariffs.

He claimed India had plans to stop buying Russian crude. However, Indian officials denied the claim.

India’s foreign ministry stated that the country makes independent choices in sourcing its energy.

“We assess the global situation and what is available,” said ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.

He added that India maintains a “steady and time-tested partnership” with Russia.

He stressed that India’s global relations stand on their own merits.

While Trump claimed India had started pulling back, Indian officials contradicted him.

“We have issued no such instructions to oil companies,” said one official.

Reuters reported that Indian refiners paused Russian oil orders recently due to shrinking price discounts.

But the pause, they added, does not signal a permanent stop.

Russia remains India’s largest crude supplier, delivering about 35% of total imports this year.

Between January and June 2025, India imported 1.75 million barrels per day from Russia. That marked a 1% increase compared to last year.

India’s key oil companies include Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, and Mangalore Refinery.

These firms have not sought Russian crude in the past week, sources said.

Analysts note that falling discounts and higher demand are affecting the trade more than politics.

Despite this, the government remains firm on its energy autonomy.

Trump, in July, threatened 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian oil unless Moscow ends the Ukraine conflict. India appears unfazed.

New EU sanctions recently hit Nayara Energy, a major Russian oil buyer in India.

The company’s CEO stepped down, and three of its tankers remain stuck.

Despite global pressure, India shows no signs of shifting from Russian oil.

Officials continue to prioritize national energy needs over foreign threats.

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