India’s Steady Demand: Navigating Russian Oil Imports Amid US Tariff Changes — Insights from Bloomberg

India is feeling the pressure from the U.S. over its oil imports from Russia. Despite increased tariffs and criticism, India remains committed to purchasing Russian oil.

State-owned and private refiners, including Reliance Industries, are set to buy between 1.4 and 1.6 million barrels of oil per day starting in October. In contrast, India’s average imports during the first half of the year were 1.8 million barrels daily. This shows that while there may be a slight dip, the overall volumes remain significant.

The U.S. administration under President Trump is keen on reducing the trade deficit with India. To achieve this, they’ve put pressure on India to rethink its energy ties with Russia. The tariffs on Indian imports are set to double to 50% starting August 27. This is a significant move aimed at pushing India to change its course.

Analysts suggest that India’s oil purchase volumes could change if a trade agreement with the U.S. is reached. The dynamics also hinge on how Washington addresses its concerns over India’s financial ties with Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While India’s government and major oil companies like Reliance, Nayara Energy, and Indian Oil have not publicly commented on the U.S. pressure, the criticism from Washington is mounting. Notably, India’s imports from Russia have surged in recent years, accounting for 37% of Russia’s total oil exports as reported by Kasatkin Consulting.

To add context, it’s worth noting that India’s oil imports from Russia were minimal until 2022. This shift highlights a significant change in global energy dynamics. U.S. representatives are increasing their scrutiny of Indian energy firms, signaling a growing tension in trade relations between the two nations.

As the situation evolves, it will be interesting to see whether India adjusts its policies or stands firm against external pressures. For more insights on this topic, you can explore reports from trusted sources like [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com) and [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com) for the latest updates.

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India, Russia, oil, USA, tariffs