Trump Claims China and India Scaling Back Russian Oil Imports Amid New Sanctions
Washington D.C. - U.S. President Donald Trump has once again asserted that both China and India are significantly reducing their imports of Russian oil, a claim that comes in the wake of new U.S. sanctions targeting major Russian energy firms. While China has reportedly suspended some purchases, India has denied any policy shift, emphasizing its focus on national interests and consumer security.
The President's statements follow the U.S. Treasury's announcement of sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia's two largest oil companies, for Russia's lack of commitment to ending the war in Ukraine. The sanctions freeze all Rosneft and Lukoil assets in the U.S., and bar U.S. companies and individuals from conducting business with them. The U.S. is also threatening secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions that do business with the two Russian energy firms, including banks that facilitate sales of Russian oil in China, India, and Türkiye.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that India had scaled back Russian oil imports at President Trump's "request," and that China was doing the same. She expressed confidence that the sanctions would harm Moscow's economy. Trump himself has claimed that India would reduce its Russian oil imports to "almost nothing" by the end of the year. He also stated that he intended to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
However, India has refuted claims of coordinated action or any policy shift. The Indian government maintains that its energy policy is independent and focused on ensuring stable prices and reliable supply chains for its consumers. Despite this denial, reports indicate that Indian state-run refiners are carefully reviewing their import agreements with Russian suppliers to ensure compliance with U.S. sanctions and to avoid direct dealings with Rosneft or Lukoil. Reliance Industries, a major private refiner, is also reportedly considering reducing or halting its Russian oil imports.
China's state oil firms have suspended purchases of seaborne Russian oil due to concerns about the sanctions. Chinese national oil companies PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Zhenhua Oil will "refrain from dealing in seaborne Russian oil at least in the short-term due to concern over sanctions," according to trade sources. However, smaller refiners in China, known as "teapots," are expected to continue purchasing Russian oil after a brief pause to assess the impact of the sanctions.
Prior to the sanctions, Russia had become a major oil supplier to both China and India, particularly after the war in Ukraine led to Western sanctions and a G7 price cap on Russian oil. In September 2025, India imported over 1.6 million barrels per day from Russia, accounting for roughly 34% of its total imports. China buys an estimated 47% of Russian crude exports, while India accounts for roughly 38%.
Analysts suggest that while it is technically feasible for India to switch from Russian crude, it would come at a cost. Diversifying supply routes and securing alternative sources from West Asia, Africa, and Latin America could lead to higher import bills and pressure on refining margins.
The situation remains fluid, and the full impact of the U.S. sanctions on Russian oil flows to China and India is still unfolding. Market analysts are closely monitoring the responses of both countries, as any significant reduction in their Russian oil imports could strain Moscow's oil revenues and potentially push global oil prices higher.
