US Claims India Will Stop Russian Oil Buys, Russia Says No Change

US officials say India will stop buying Russian oil, but Russia denies this. This is a big difference in what people are hearing.
By Newsroom | Business, World News |

Recent claims by US officials that India has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil have been met with statements from Russia suggesting no change in India's stance. This situation places India in a complex position, balancing its energy needs and economic ties with the demands and trade policies of the United States.

For India, Buying Russian Oil Just Got More Complicated - 1

The core of the issue revolves around India's continued imports of Russian crude oil, a practice that has drawn attention and pressure from the US, particularly concerning trade tariffs.

For India, Buying Russian Oil Just Got More Complicated - 2

Shifting Sands: Claims and Counterclaims on Indian Oil Imports

Over recent weeks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US President Donald Trump have publicly stated that India has committed to halting its purchases of Russian crude oil. These assertions were made in the backdrop of announcements regarding trade deals between the two nations, with Trump also linking these purchases to US tariffs imposed on Indian goods.

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For India, Buying Russian Oil Just Got More Complicated - 3

  • US Assertions: Rubio stated on February 14, 2026, that the US had received India's "commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil." This followed Trump's claim, made earlier in February, that India would cease procuring crude from Russia.

  • Tariff Linkage: Trump has used these oil purchases as leverage, threatening to increase US tariffs on India if the imports continued. Notably, Trump also announced the rollback of a 25% tariff imposed on India in August last year, seemingly tied to India's Russian oil purchases.

  • India's Silence: India has not officially confirmed or denied the US claims regarding a halt in Russian oil imports. Indian officials have previously stated that "national interests" guide their energy procurement decisions.

Russia's Stance: Continuity in Energy Relations

In contrast to the US claims, Russia has publicly dismissed the idea that India has altered its approach to buying Russian oil.

For India, Buying Russian Oil Just Got More Complicated - 4

  • No Change Indicated: Russia's Foreign Ministry has stated there is "no reason to believe India stopped buying Russian oil" and that India's energy imports from Russia are mutually beneficial and support global market stability.

  • Moscow's Rebuttal: These remarks directly counter the assertions made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Indian Refiners Continue Procurement Amidst Shifting Demands

Despite the US pronouncements, evidence suggests that India's state-owned refiners are continuing to import Russian oil.

  • Continued Buying: Energy analysts have noted that state-owned refiners in India are still purchasing Russian oil, even as New Delhi seeks relief from US tariffs linked to these imports.

  • Data Indicators: Data from Kpler, a shipping analytics firm, has shown a decline in India's overall import of Russian oil, though the exact reasons and scale of this decline remain subject to ongoing observation.

  • Offsetting Reductions: Analysts suggest that public sector undertakings (PSUs) have helped offset some of the drops in Russian oil imports.

The Economic Calculus: India's Energy Needs and Global Trade

India's significant consumption of Russian oil is driven by a confluence of economic factors and geopolitical considerations.

  • Affordable Energy: Russia's oil has provided a crucial and often cheaper energy source for India's growing economy. This has been particularly important since the start of the war in Ukraine, when Russian oil became more accessible.

  • Economic Interdependence: Russia's oil is integral to India's economy, which plays a significant role in the global oil trade.

  • Geopolitical Balancing Act: India has historically maintained strategic partnerships with Russia, including in defense, and has sought to navigate its relationships with both Russia and the West by prioritizing its national interests.

Expert Observations on the India-Russia Oil Dynamic

Industry observers and analysts highlight the intricate nature of India's energy decisions and the external pressures it faces.

  • “India’s energy imports support mutual benefits and global market stability,” a statement from Russia's Foreign Ministry indicated, emphasizing the established nature of the trade relationship.

  • Energy analysts have pointed out that state-owned refiners continue their purchases even while New Delhi is seeking US tariff relief, underscoring a divergence between stated policy and operational reality.

Conclusion: An Unresolved Equation of Trade and Diplomacy

The situation surrounding India's Russian oil imports remains in flux. While US officials assert that India has committed to halting these purchases, Russia denies any shift in India's import strategy. Evidence indicates that Indian state-owned refiners are continuing to procure Russian oil, even as New Delhi seeks concessions on US tariffs. This dynamic underscores India's challenge in balancing its energy security needs, economic priorities, and its complex relationships with both the United States and Russia.

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Further clarification from the Indian government is needed to definitively assess the current status of its Russian oil imports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did India agree to stop buying Russian oil, as the US claims?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India committed to stop buying more Russian oil on February 14, 2026. However, Russia's Foreign Ministry stated there is no reason to believe India has changed its position on buying Russian oil.
Q: What is Russia saying about India's oil purchases?
Russia's Foreign Ministry has stated that there is no reason to believe India has stopped buying Russian oil. They also mentioned that India's energy imports from Russia are good for both countries and help keep the global oil market stable.
Q: Are Indian refiners still buying Russian oil?
Yes, evidence and energy analysts suggest that India's state-owned refiners are still buying Russian oil. This is happening even as India tries to get relief from US tariffs that are linked to these oil imports.
Q: Why is India buying Russian oil?
India buys Russian oil because it is often cheaper and helps meet the country's large energy needs. This has been especially important since the war in Ukraine started, making Russian oil more available.
Q: How is this situation affecting India's trade with the US?
US President Donald Trump has linked India's Russian oil purchases to US tariffs on Indian goods. He has threatened to increase these tariffs if the imports continue, creating a difficult trade situation for India.
Q: What happens next with India's oil imports and US trade?
The situation is still unclear. While the US claims India will stop buying Russian oil, evidence suggests otherwise. India needs to balance its energy needs, its relationship with Russia, and the demands from the United States regarding trade and tariffs.