The dynamics of India’s crude oil import market experienced a dramatic reconfiguration in 2025, with Russian petroleum losing its dominant position. Government data reveals that Russian crude imports contracted by over 17%, falling from $40 billion in April-December 2024 to $33.1 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, while American crude imports surged by an impressive 65.6% to reach $8.2 billion.
The month of December 2025 highlighted this strategic pivot most clearly. Russian crude imports tumbled by 15.15% year-on-year to $2.71 billion, making Russia the only supplier among India’s top five to register negative growth. This decline occurred despite Russia’s historically competitive pricing and India’s practical approach to energy procurement.
Meanwhile, India’s other major suppliers capitalized on this shift. Saudi Arabian crude imports witnessed spectacular growth of 61%, climbing to $1.75 billion in December 2025. The United States saw its crude exports to India increase by 31% to $569.30 million during the same month. Iraq maintained steady growth with a 4.56% increase to $2.37 billion, while UAE shipments rose 6% to $1.65 billion.
Industry experts, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the steep decline in Russian crude imports primarily to the US imposition of a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods, implemented on August 27, 2025. This punitive measure aimed to deter India from purchasing sanctioned Russian petroleum. The impact was evident in the monthly import figures, which dropped from $3.72 billion in November 2025 to just $2.71 billion in December 2025.
India’s commitment to energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens remains paramount, with officials emphasizing that diversification based on market conditions and evolving international dynamics forms the core of the nation’s energy strategy. Total crude imports from all sources reached $11.29 billion in December 2025, up 9.1% from the previous year, demonstrating India’s growing energy appetite despite the changing supplier mix.