Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 2: Soon after US President Donald Trump claimed that India had stopped buying oil from Russia, government sources on Saturday dismissed the assertion, stating that no such move had been made and that India’s energy purchases were guided solely by market dynamics and national interest.
Trump had said on Friday, “Well, I understand India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard. I don’t know if that’s right or not, but that’s a good step.”
His comments came on the heels of the White House's imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective July 31. Trump also warned of potential penalties for India's continued purchase of Russian energy and military equipment.
Despite the US pressure, Indian oil firms have not halted Russian imports. In fact, sources said that companies were exploring alternatives but had not received any formal instructions to stop Russian crude purchases.
Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corp reportedly bought at least 5 million barrels of US crude and another 2 million from Abu Dhabi this week, signaling diversification rather than disengagement.
Reacting sharply, Trump had earlier stated, “India and Russia can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” while criticising India’s high tariffs and lack of trade cooperation with the US.
Between April and June 2025, India imported 6.23 million tonnes of crude oil worth $3.71 billion from the US, which made up 8.5% of its total crude imports, marking a strategic shift in sourcing.
New Delhi has reiterated that decisions on crude sourcing will continue to be based on energy security needs and national priorities.