India’s Russian Oil Imports: US Pressure, Skepticism, and Ongoing Debate
Indian refineries are preparing to slightly decrease their purchases of Russian crude oil in the coming weeks due to increasing pressure from the United States. This reduction, which will lower daily purchases from 1.8 million barrels to 1.4-1.6 million barrels, comes as a response to threats of increased U.S. tariffs on Indian imports. Although the U.S. has criticized India’s significant increase in Russian oil imports since 2022, no additional sanctions have yet been imposed despite previous threats. This move is seen as a symbolic gesture to Washington, rather than a complete severing of economic ties with Moscow.
John Q. Hosedrinker