In June 2025, India broke its 11-month-old record by importing 2.08 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from Russia. This wasn’t just a trade transaction — it was a geopolitical and economic signal to the world. India has made it clear: it doesn't just purchase oil; it buys wisely, counts its steps, and plays for long-term advantage. This move stands as a masterclass in energy security, diplomatic foresight, and global balancing.
Let’s dive deeper into why India is buying so much Russian oil, how the United States and Brazil are turning into reliable oil partners, and why this strategic pivot could eventually transform India into a future energy superpower.
India's Russian Oil Imports Hit a 11-Month High
With a daily average of 2.08 million barrels, India’s June oil imports from Russia reached the highest point since July 2024. For the first time in nearly a year, India returned to such a significant volume of purchases — a move experts believe wasn’t accidental. It was a well-timed step amid fears of disruption caused by tensions in the Middle East, especially the possibility of a full-blown Israel-Iran conflict.
Rather than panic, India played smart — securing discounted oil from Russia while the global markets worried about supply shortages. By doing this, India not only protected its energy needs but also made a profitable move in global oil diplomacy.
A Strategic Shift Towards Efficiency
What’s even more telling is that India’s overall crude oil imports in June 2025 actually dropped by 6%, yet oil purchases from Russia grew by 8% in the same month. This signals that India is now focusing on smarter, more cost-effective oil sourcing — fewer barrels, better prices, and long-term deals.
Today, Russia supplies about 40% of India’s total oil imports. The three major refineries — Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Reliance Industries, and Nayara Energy — are the primary buyers of this Russian crude. Interestingly, refined products from these very refineries are then exported to G7+ countries — countries that have themselves imposed sanctions on Russian oil. In effect, India is refining Russian oil and selling it back to the West. This showcases not just economic ingenuity but also India's increasing role as a vital link in the global oil supply chain.
Reducing Dependence on the Middle East
India is steadily decreasing its reliance on traditional Middle Eastern oil suppliers such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. According to the June 2025 data:
Imports from Iraq fell to 893,000 bpd, a drop of 1,765 bpd
Saudi Arabia remained stable at 581,000 bpd
UAE oil imports rose slightly by 6.5% to 490,000 bpd
This shows that while the Middle East still plays a role, India is now focused on diversifying its energy sources under its "Middle East Plus" strategy. India is increasingly turning towards non-OPEC nations for supply security and price stability.
Looking West: America and Brazil Step In
India’s diversification is paying off. According to S&P Global, imports from the United States surged 51% to 210,000 bpd, while imports from Brazil soared by a staggering 80%. This demonstrates that India has successfully adopted a "multi-source security model" — moving away from any single-country dependency.
This energy policy isn’t just about economics. It’s also about diplomacy. With the return of Donald Trump’s administration in the United States, India is keen on strengthening its ties with Washington. Increasing oil imports from the U.S. helps build that bridge. Similarly, growing ties with Brazil are supported under platforms like BRICS and the South-South Cooperation.
Meanwhile, discounted Russian oil continues to provide a critical advantage to India’s refining industry. It gives Indian refiners a low-cost input, helping them produce refined products competitively and export them globally. India is no longer just a buyer — it is becoming a processor and exporter, carving a niche for itself on the global energy map.
India and Russia: A Growing Partnership
Global energy think tanks such as CREA and Kpler estimate that in June 2025, China imported 47% of Russia’s oil exports, India followed closely with 38%, while the EU and Turkey combined accounted for just 12%. During the same month, India imported fossil fuels worth 4.5 billion euros from Russia, of which 80% — approximately 3.6 billion euros — was crude oil.
This makes India the second-largest buyer of Russian oil in the world, just behind China. But more importantly, it symbolizes global recognition of India’s energy policy. India is now seen as a key player in international oil markets — one that knows when to act and how to negotiate.
The Road Ahead: From Consumer to Energy Superpower
Breaking the oil import record in June 2025 is just one chapter in a much larger story. The world is watching the growing India-Russia energy partnership, and it is clear that India is laying the foundation not just for short-term supply security but for decades of strategic energy independence and economic leverage.
India’s oil strategy is now a multi-layered diplomatic and commercial move — securing affordable oil, refining it profitably, building stronger ties with new partners, and stepping confidently onto the global energy stage.
