India navigates Russian oil imports amid US trade threat

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.