India has increased its imports of Russian crude oil, reaching up to 2 million barrels per day (BPD) in August 2025, despite uncertainty over potential U.S. secondary tariffs, RT India News has reported.
According to the outlet, data from commodities tracker Kpler shows that Russia supplied 38% of India’s estimated 5.2 million BPD imports in the first half of August. This marks a significant rise compared to July, when India imported an average of 1.6 million BPD from Russia.
“Business as usual,” RT India noted, emphasizing New Delhi’s determination to maintain its energy security strategy in the face of fluctuating U.S. policy signals.
The development comes as U.S. President Donald J. Trump sends mixed signals over the possibility of imposing secondary tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil—a measure aimed at tightening financial pressure on Moscow amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Analysts suggest India’s surge in Russian oil imports highlights both its dependence on affordable energy supplies and its balancing act in navigating complex geopolitical pressures. Despite Western sanctions on Moscow, India has consistently argued that its purchases are driven by domestic energy needs, not politics.
The latest figures reaffirm Russia’s position as India’s top crude supplier, further consolidating the strategic energy ties between both countries.

Credit: @RT_India_news via X.
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