Moscow has expressed uncertainty over India’s intentions regarding the purchase of Russian oil following claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump about the India-US trade deal. Trump announced that New Delhi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil in exchange for reduced tariffs on Indian goods, but the Kremlin says it has not received any confirmation from India.
“We have not heard any statements from New Delhi on this matter,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He emphasized that while Russia respects US-India relations, Moscow also values its strategic partnership with India and intends to continue strengthening bilateral ties.
Trump had announced that the trade deal would lower tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% and that India would purchase more oil from the United States, and potentially Venezuela, instead of Russia. He framed the move as a contribution to ending the war in Ukraine.
India, however, has historically maintained significant energy trade with Russia. The country imports roughly 1.5 million barrels of Russian crude per day, making it the second-largest buyer globally. Despite previous U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, India continued its purchases, citing energy security and cost efficiency. Russian oil forms a crucial part of India’s diversified energy portfolio, alongside imports from the Middle East and Africa.
The country’s ties with Russia have traditionally centered on defense rather than energy. In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India took advantage of discounted oil prices to bolster its supplies. Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed in December 2025 that he would continue “uninterrupted shipments” to India despite external pressures.
Experts suggest that while Trump’s statements reflect his political messaging, India is likely to continue balancing its energy security needs with international diplomatic considerations. No official confirmation has yet emerged from New Delhi regarding any change in its Russian oil imports.
