Rosneft's Russian-flagged crude oil tanker Vladimir Monomakh transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, July 6, 2023. File Image/Reuters
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Firstpost04-02-2026, 10:28

India Not Halting Russian Oil Imports Abruptly, Despite Trump's Claims

  • Donald Trump claimed a US-India trade deal includes India ending Russian oil purchases and lowering tariffs on Indian exports.
  • Indian government and PM Modi have not publicly confirmed an agreement to immediately halt Russian oil imports.
  • Indian refiners state they have received no instructions to cease Russian crude purchases; existing contracts are in place until March 2026.
  • India became the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude after the Ukraine war due to discounted prices, but imports have recently declined.
  • An abrupt halt is unrealistic due to existing contracts, refinery constraints, and Indian investments in Russia's energy sector.

Why It Matters: India is gradually recalibrating Russian oil imports, not abruptly halting them, despite Trump's assertions.

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