The Indian crude oil market experienced a notable reconfiguration in 2025, with American petroleum securing an expanding share at the expense of Russian supplies. Data indicates that US crude imports to India jumped by over 65.6% to $8.2 billion in the April-December 2025 period, while Russian crude imports fell by more than 17%, sliding from $40 billion to $33.1 billion year-on-year.
December 2025 import figures underscore this trend decisively. Russia, historically a significant supplier to India, recorded a 15.15% decline in crude shipments to $2.71 billion, down from $3.2 billion in December 2024. This made Russia the only supplier among India’s top five to experience contracting imports during this period, signaling a meaningful shift in procurement preferences.
Other major suppliers to the Indian market demonstrated strong positive performance. Saudi Arabia led with an exceptional 61% year-on-year surge, supplying crude valued at $1.75 billion in December 2025. The United States posted a solid 31% gain, with shipments reaching $569.30 million. Iraq contributed crude worth $2.37 billion, representing a 4.56% increase, while UAE deliveries totaled $1.65 billion, up 6% annually.
The contraction in Russian crude imports appears closely linked to American trade policy measures. Industry experts note that the 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods, imposed by the United States on August 27, 2025, was explicitly intended to deter India from purchasing sanctioned Russian petroleum. The policy’s effectiveness became evident as Russian crude imports declined from $3.62 billion in July 2025 to just $2.71 billion by December 2025.
India’s aggregate crude oil imports from all 39 source countries amounted to $11.29 billion in December 2025, marking a 9.1% increase compared to December 2024. For the April-December 2025 period, total imports stood at $105.10 billion, marginally below the $109.33 billion recorded during the same timeframe in 2024. Officials emphasize that diversifying energy sources in response to market conditions and international developments remains central to ensuring energy security for the nation’s vast population.