ndian oil refineries have stopped purchasing Russian oil and are not expected to resume these imports in the long term. This was reported by Reuters, citing sources in the refining and trading sectors. According to the agency, the decision is linked to India’s efforts to conclude a trade agreement with the United States and to avoid further pressure from Washington.
Major players step away from the deal
According to Reuters’ sources, India’s largest refiners: Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Reliance Industries, have halted purchases of Russian oil. The companies have not canceled deliveries already contracted for March, but no new contracts will be signed. Most other Indian refineries have also suspended purchases of Russian crude, the agency reports.
Pressure from Washington and the Trump factor
In early February 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “agreed to stop buying Russian oil and to buy much more from the United States and possibly from Venezuela.” According to Trump, this step would help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. He also announced a reduction in U.S. tariffs on Indian goods.
Narendra Modi confirmed an agreement on lowering tariffs but did not publicly mention abandoning Russian oil. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow had received no official signals from New Delhi regarding plans to stop purchases.
On February 7, Donald Trump signed an executive order отменing additional 25% tariffs on Indian goods that had been imposed because of India’s purchases of Russian oil.
A familiar scenario but with new risks
Additional tariffs against India were introduced in August of the previous year. As early as October, Trump claimed that Modi had promised him to stop buying Russian oil. At that time, Indian companies temporarily reduced or suspended imports, only to resume them later, mainly due to attractive prices and favorable logistics.
The current situation, however, differs, according to Reuters. It reflects a strategic reassessment of energy policy. India is increasingly integrating into the U.S.-led trade and sanctions framework, sacrificing part of its energy flexibility in exchange for market access and tariff concessions.
India’s withdrawal from Russian oil could deal a significant blow to Russia’s exports, as Moscow has relied heavily on Asian markets since 2022. For New Delhi, this move implies growing dependence on politically driven decisions in Washington and a reduction in autonomy in foreign economic policy.
