Recent reports paint a complex picture regarding India's oil imports from Russia, following claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump. While Trump stated he had "heard" that India was no longer going to buy oil from Russia, calling it a "good step," this assertion is not entirely accurate.

Here's a breakdown of the situation:

• Trump's Statement: On Saturday, August 2, 2025, President Trump said he understood that India was no longer going to buy oil from Russia. He admitted he wasn't sure if this was correct but welcomed it as a positive development. This came after the White House announced tariffs on exports from about 70 nations, including a 25% tariff on India. Trump has also warned India would face a "penalty" for buying Russian military equipment and energy.

• India's Response: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded by stating that India's energy purchases are driven by market forces and national interests. Government sources have dismissed reports of Indian firms halting Russian oil imports. Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesperson, stated that decisions are based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and the global situation at the time.

• Continued Oil Imports: Multiple sources confirm that Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. These decisions are guided by factors such as price, the grade of crude, inventories, and logistics. Russia is a major global oil producer and exporter, and India, as the world's third-largest energy consumer with high import dependence, has strategically adapted its sourcing to secure affordable energy.

• Strategic Considerations: India's continued purchase of Russian oil is framed as a strategic move to ensure affordable energy supplies while adhering to international norms. It's argued that if India hadn't absorbed discounted Russian crude, global oil prices could have surged, intensifying inflationary pressures. Russian oil has not been sanctioned by the U.S. or EU, but it is subjected to a G7/EU price-cap mechanism. India has also been complying with the price cap of $60 for Russian oil recommended by the U.S.

• Reports of Suspended Purchases: On July 31, 2025, Reuters reported that Indian state-owned refineries had suspended Russian oil purchases due to threats of tariffs from President Trump and narrowing price discounts. Bloomberg reported on August 1, 2025, that several oil tankers carrying Russian crude were idling off India's coast as refiners reconsidered purchases due to potential sanctions pressure. It was noted that state-owned companies, including Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum, had not purchased Russian crude in the past week.

In conclusion, while there might have been a temporary pause in purchases by some state-owned refineries, the overall picture suggests that India has not completely stopped buying oil from Russia. The Indian government emphasizes that its energy decisions are based on national interest and market dynamics. The situation remains fluid, influenced by geopolitical pressures, economic factors, and the evolving global energy landscape.