India to Continue Buying Russian Oil Despite U.S. Tariff Threats: Report
New Delhi – Indian officials have reportedly confirmed that the country will continue purchasing oil from Russia, despite new tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a recent report by The New York Times.
The report noted that no official directive has been issued by the Indian government to reduce oil imports from Russia, highlighting India’s unchanged energy policy amid growing global scrutiny.
Background on the Tariff Tensions
President Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports, effective August 1, 2025, with additional penalties being considered for nations continuing trade with Russia—particularly in the defense and energy sectors.
However, Trump appeared to soften his stance later, stating via Truth Social that he “did not care what India does with Russia,” despite earlier warnings about potential penalties for importing Russian oil and weapons.
India’s Position
According to The New York Times, two senior Indian officials emphasized that there had been no change in policy, and oil companies have not received any official instructions to cut back on Russian crude.
Russia currently supplies over 35% of India’s oil imports, making it a vital part of the country’s energy mix.
Market Factors at Play
Although Indian state refiners reportedly paused Russian oil purchases temporarily in July due to reduced discounts, this decision was market-driven, not politically mandated.
Earlier in July, President Trump threatened 100% tariffs on countries continuing oil trade with Russia unless a major peace agreement is reached in Ukraine.
What’s Next?
Trump’s administration is also planning to implement a “world tariff” system, imposing 15–20% duties on countries without individual trade agreements with the United States. Notifications are expected to be sent to over 200 countries in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
As global dynamics continue to shift, India remains focused on securing affordable energy supplies, prioritizing national interest while navigating complex geopolitical pressures. For now, it seems that Russian oil will continue to flow into Indian refineries—regardless of external threats.
