Context
India’s official data show that the country had already been cutting Russian oil imports months before the U.S. imposed its 25% tariff on August 27, 2025. The decline is part of India’s own long-term strategy, not a reaction to U.S. pressure.
Why India Is Reducing Russian Oil Imports:
- Overdependence too high — government felt reliance on Russia had become excessive.
- Diversification strategy — India is rebalancing its crude basket.
- Market & price risks — volatility, shipping, and sanctions-related challenges.
- Strategic autonomy — avoiding geopolitical overexposure to one supplier.
- Internal policy decision — cuts occurred in 8 of 10 months before the U.S. tariff.
