India Demands Weekly Russian Oil Data Amid US Trade Deal Push

• India's oil ministry now requires refiners to submit weekly data on Russian and US oil imports, a first for the nation.
• The move aims to provide "timely, accurate data" to Washington amidst ongoing, often "fraught," trade negotiations.
• India became the top buyer of discounted Russian oil post-Ukraine war, leading to US backlash and doubled tariffs on Indian goods.
• Russian oil imports are expected to dip below 1 million bpd, down from a June peak of 2 million bpd, despite India's public resistance to US pressure.
• The data collection is crucial for a potential trade deal, with India also exploring increased US crude purchases.

Why It Matters: India seeks detailed oil import data to navigate US trade talks and manage Russian oil dependency.