The composition of India’s crude oil imports witnessed dramatic changes throughout 2025, with American petroleum securing an increasingly prominent role. Data reveals that US crude imports to India increased by an impressive 65.6% to $8.2 billion during the April-December 2025 period, while Russian crude imports contracted by more than 17%, declining from $40 billion to $33.1 billion compared to the previous year.
The December 2025 import data crystallizes this evolving pattern. Among India’s five principal crude suppliers—Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the US—Russia alone experienced declining shipments. Russian crude imports fell 15.15% to $2.71 billion in December 2025, down from $3.2 billion in December 2024, marking a clear departure from the substantial Russian crude purchases that had characterized India’s energy imports.
Meanwhile, India’s other major suppliers demonstrated robust performance. Saudi Arabia achieved the most spectacular growth with a 61% year-on-year surge, supplying crude valued at $1.75 billion in December 2025. US crude exports to India climbed 31% to reach $569.30 million during the same month. Iraq posted a 4.56% increase with imports totaling $2.37 billion, while the UAE saw shipments grow 6% to $1.65 billion.
The decline in Russian crude purchases appears directly linked to US economic pressure. Industry analysts point to the 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods, implemented on August 27, 2025, as a key factor designed to deter India from buying sanctioned Russian petroleum. The tariff’s effectiveness became increasingly evident, with Russian crude imports dropping from $3.72 billion in November 2025 to $2.71 billion in December 2025.
India’s comprehensive crude oil imports from all sources amounted to $11.29 billion in December 2025, representing a 9.1% increase over the $10.34 billion imported in December 2024. For the broader April-December 2025 period, aggregate imports totaled $105.10 billion, slightly below the $109.33 billion recorded in the equivalent period of 2024. Officials maintain that safeguarding energy security for 1.4 billion citizens remains paramount, with source diversification being central to this mission.
