The composition of India’s crude oil imports underwent a significant realignment in 2025, with data showing a pronounced shift toward American petroleum. US crude imports to India increased by an impressive 65.6% to reach $8.2 billion during the April-December 2025 period, while Russian crude imports experienced a decline of more than 17%, falling from $40 billion to $33.1 billion compared to the same period in 2024.
Russia’s diminishing role in India’s energy supply became particularly evident in December 2025. As the only supplier among India’s top five to record declining imports, Russia saw its crude shipments to India fall by 15.15% to $2.71 billion in December 2025, down from $3.2 billion in December 2024. This marked a notable departure from previous trends when Russian crude held a more prominent position in India’s import portfolio.
In contrast, India’s relationships with other major crude suppliers strengthened considerably. Saudi Arabia demonstrated exceptional growth with a 61% year-on-year increase, supplying crude valued at $1.75 billion in December 2025. The United States recorded a 31% rise in crude exports to India, reaching $569.30 million. Iraq maintained steady growth with a 4.56% increase to $2.37 billion, while UAE crude imports expanded by 6% to $1.65 billion.
The decline in Russian crude purchases accelerated notably after the United States imposed a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods on August 27, 2025, aimed at discouraging India from buying sanctioned Russian petroleum. The impact materialized progressively, with Russian crude imports declining from $3.62 billion in July 2025 to $2.71 billion in December 2025—a sharp month-on-month reduction of more than 35% from November’s $3.72 billion.
India’s total crude oil imports from all sources amounted to $11.29 billion in December 2025, up 9.1% from $10.34 billion in December 2024. For the broader April-December 2025 period, aggregate imports stood at $105.10 billion, slightly lower than the $109.33 billion recorded during the equivalent period in 2024. Officials continue to stress that safeguarding energy security for India’s massive population drives all decisions regarding energy source diversification.