New Delhi, August, 2025 — In a powerful rebuttal to Washington’s latest move, India has strongly asserted its right to import affordable Russian oil, even as the United States imposed a steep 50% tariff on crude oil imports from Russia. The Indian government has called the US decision “unilateral, coercive, and against the principles of global energy equity.”
The statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, issued late Tuesday evening, underscored the importance of affordable oil to India’s 1.4 billion citizens, citing national interest as paramount.
“Affordable oil is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline for 1.4 billion Indians. We’ll do whatever it takes to protect our national interest,” a senior Indian official stated.
The US administration announced the new tariff on Russian oil earlier this week, citing continued funding of the Ukraine conflict by the Kremlin. While the move is intended to tighten economic pressure on Moscow, analysts believe it could significantly impact countries like India and China that continue to import discounted Russian crude.
However, India — which has not signed on to the Western sanctions regime — has maintained its neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasized that its energy strategy is based solely on securing the best interests of its citizens.
Strategic Calculations
Over the past two years, Russia has emerged as India’s top oil supplier, replacing traditional Middle Eastern partners due to the attractive discounts offered. In FY2024-25 alone, India imported over 80 million barrels of Russian crude, accounting for nearly 35% of its total imports.
The 50% US tariff does not directly apply to India, as New Delhi imports Russian oil independently. However, it is expected to affect global market dynamics, potentially raising prices and causing logistical disruptions.
In response, India is reportedly exploring alternative payment mechanisms and long-term agreements to bypass Western financial systems and avoid volatility. Sources within the Petroleum Ministry also indicate that India may increase rupee-ruble trade and barter-style arrangements with Moscow.
Global Support and Internal Backing
India’s firm stand has found support from several Global South nations who also depend on affordable energy for development. In a joint statement, the BRICS energy ministers called for “non-discriminatory, transparent, and affordable access to global energy resources.”
Domestically, political leaders across party lines have backed the Centre’s response. Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, stated:
“In today’s multipolar world, India must prioritize economic sovereignty. We cannot let another nation dictate our energy lifeline.”
US-India Tensions Rise
This development adds fresh strain to the India-US relationship, which has recently shown signs of friction over trade, technology, and defense alignments. While bilateral dialogue continues, the oil dispute may overshadow upcoming diplomatic engagements, including the G20 Energy Forum later this month in Tokyo.
Despite these tensions, New Delhi has made it clear: any attempt to influence its sovereign decisions regarding energy imports will be met with strong resistance.
As one senior diplomat noted:
“India will not be bullied. We are not just consumers — we are a global player with strategic autonomy.”
Sources:
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
- Reuters: India defends Russian oil imports after US tariffs
- Bloomberg Energy: Global impact of US tariffs on Russian crude
- BRICS Joint Statement, 2025
