Key facts
- India's imports of Russian crude oil have increased significantly.
- The US has expressed concerns to India regarding its continued purchases of Russian oil.
- India is seeking to secure energy supplies while avoiding US sanctions.
India has significantly increased its imports of Russian crude oil, seeking to secure energy supplies at discounted prices amidst global market volatility. This surge in purchases, however, has put New Delhi in a difficult position with Washington, which has warned of potential trade repercussions for violating sanctions against Moscow. India's daily imports of Russian crude have reached approximately 1.5 million barrels, a thirtyfold increase since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. Russian crude now constitutes about 30% of India's total oil imports, a substantial shift from pre-war levels where it represented a negligible fraction. The South Asian nation is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, aiming to maintain its energy security without alienating its key strategic partner, the United States.