India slams US 25% tariffs and EU sanctions over Russian oil imports (1.75M bpd, 2025), citing their $5.2B and €67.5B Russia trade. Mahendra Singh analyzes official data.
India faces intense scrutiny from the United States and European Union over its Russian oil imports and trade policies, prompting accusations of Western hypocrisy. The US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods effective August 7, 2025, while the EU sanctioned Indian refineries tied to Russian oil. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Petroleum Ministry have called these measures “unjustified and unreasonable,” citing the West’s own trade with Russia. This analysis by Senior Journalist Mahendra Singh, grounded in official data and statements, explores India’s position and the West’s double standards.
Why India Imports Russian Oil: Economic Necessity
Surge in Russian Oil Imports
India’s Russian crude oil imports rose from 0.2% of total oil imports pre-Ukraine war to 35% in 2024, per Reuters. From January to June 2025, India imported 1.75 million barrels per day (bpd), up 1% from 2024, making Russia its top oil supplier. This shift followed global market disruptions as Middle Eastern suppliers redirected oil to Europe. India purchases Russian crude under the G7 and EU’s $47.6 per-barrel price cap, effective 2025.
As the world’s third-largest oil consumer, India relies on imports for 85-90% of its oil needs for its 1.4 billion population. The MEA, on August 4, 2025, stated, “India’s oil purchases from Russia are a necessity compelled by global market conditions.”
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, on July 23, 2025, said, “We will buy oil from any source offering the best price to ensure energy security.”
India’s Official Stance
The Indian government asserts its Russian oil imports stabilized global markets, a role encouraged by the US and EU in 2022-2024. Former US Ambassador Eric Garcetti (2023) and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (2022) praised India’s efforts to curb global oil prices. The MEA’s August 4, 2025, statement noted, “The US actively encouraged such imports to strengthen global energy markets stability.”
Statement by Official Spokesperson⬇️
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 4, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/O2hJTOZBby pic.twitter.com/RTQ2beJC0W
Official Data
- Trade Volume: India-Russia trade reached $68.7 billion in FY 2024-25, with oil comprising 80%, per India’s Ministry of Commerce.
- Refining Capacity: Indian refiners process 1.7-2.0 million bpd of Russian crude, per Vortexa analytics.
- Exports to Europe: India exported 185,000 bpd of refined products to Europe in 2025, down from 200,000 in 2024, per Kpler data.
US and EU Actions: Tariffs and Sanctions
US Tariffs on India
On July 30, 2025, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 7, citing India’s 12% trade-weighted average tariff and Russian oil imports. He threatened further penalties under the proposed Russian Sanctions Act of 2025, which could impose 100% tariffs. India’s trade with the US reached $186 billion in FY 2024-25, with a $41 billion goods trade surplus and $44.4 billion including services, per the Ministry of Commerce.
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EU Sanctions on Indian Refineries
The EU sanctioned Nayara Energy, 49.13% owned by Russia’s Rosneft, and plans to ban imports of refined products from Russian crude starting January 2026. Meanwhile, EU-Russia trade reached €67.5 billion in 2024, with LNG imports at 16.5 million tonnes, up from 15.21 million in 2022, per Eurostat.
India’s Official Response
The MEA, on August 4, 2025, labeled the US and EU actions “unjustified and unreasonable,” noting their own trade with Russia. The US imported $5.2 billion in goods from Russia in 2024, including uranium and palladium, per the US Census Bureau. The MEA stated, “The EU’s 2024 trade with Russia significantly surpasses India’s, including non-essential goods.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on July 2, 2025, said, “India’s trade policies are driven by national interest.” The MEA added, “India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
Western Trade with Russia: The Hypocrisy
US Imports from Russia
The US imported $5.2 billion in goods from Russia in 2024, including uranium (powering 20% of its nuclear reactors) and palladium, per the US Census Bureau, contradicting its criticism of India.
EU’s Trade with Russia
The EU’s €67.5 billion trade with Russia in 2024, including €22.5 billion in machinery, exceeds India’s $68.7 billion, per Eurostat. EU LNG imports rose 8% from 2022, per Gas Infrastructure Europe.
India’s Position
The MEA’s August 4, 2025, statement noted, “Western nations benefited from India’s actions, yet now penalize us for the same.” India saved $13 billion over two years through Russian oil imports, per ICRA.
Economic and Strategic Impacts
Economic Consequences for India
Shifting from Russian oil could raise India’s oil import bill by $9-11 billion annually, per ICRA. The US tariffs may cost India $5-7 billion annually, impacting pharmaceuticals ($25 billion) and textiles ($15 billion), per the Confederation of Indian Industry. India aims to double US trade to $500 billion by 2030 but prioritizes protecting farmers (45% of the workforce, per the International Labour Organization).
Strategic Implications
India’s non-aligned policy and BRICS ties (trade grew 20% to $150 billion in FY 2024-25, per GTRI) make it a target. Jaishankar, on July 2, 2025, said, “India will not be coerced into abandoning its economic or geopolitical interests.”
Official Stand
The MEA, on August 4, 2025, stated, “India’s trade decisions are sovereign, driven by the needs of our people. We reject attempts to dictate our policies.” Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, in July 2025, said, “India will protect its economic interests with all available measures.”
Conclusion: India’s Call for Fair Trade
Official data confirms India’s 1.75 million bpd Russian oil imports in 2025 are driven by necessity, saving $13 billion, per ICRA. The US ($5.2 billion) and EU (€67.5 billion) continue trade with Russia while targeting India. The MEA, Jaishankar, and Goyal emphasize India’s sovereign trade decisions. The West’s actions risk alienating India, pushing it toward non-Western allies. A fairer global trade system is needed.
Mahendra Singh is a seasoned journalist and editor at TheInterviewTimes.com with over 28 years of experience. An alumnus of IIMC, he writes on international affairs, politics, education, environment, and key social issues.