India Is Free: Moscow On New Delhi Stopping Russia Oil Trade Over US Deal

Russia has said that India is free to purchase crude oil from any country, while rejecting claims that New Delhi has agreed to halt imports from Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Russia has never been India's sole supplier of petroleum products, and diversification of sources is nothing new. "India has always purchased these products from other countries. Therefore, we see nothing new here," he remarked, pushing back against assertions made by US President Donald Trump.

Trump on Monday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil and instead shift purchases to the United States and possibly Venezuela. Peskov clarified that Moscow has received no official communication from India suggesting such a move. He stressed that Russia continues to value its energy partnership with India and sees no indication of a sudden break.

Russia's Foreign Ministry also underscored the importance of the bilateral energy relationship. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the hydrocarbons trade benefits both nations and contributes to stability in global energy markets. She added that Moscow remains ready to deepen cooperation with India in the energy sector, highlighting the strategic nature of the partnership.

Meanwhile, Russian business radio Kommersant FM stated that Modi himself has not publicly confirmed any agreement to cut Russian oil imports. The broadcaster suggested that Trump's remarks may have been aimed at portraying negotiations as a clear US win rather than reflecting India's actual position.

Energy experts have also cast doubt on the feasibility of India completely switching away from Russian crude. Analyst Igor Yushkov explained that U.S. shale oil is largely light-grade, while Russia supplies heavier Urals crude with higher sulphur content. Blending different grades would raise costs, making a straightforward replacement unlikely.

He further pointed out that the United States would struggle to match Russia's supply volumes of 1.5 to 2 million barrels per day.

Yushkov suggested that Trump's comments were more about political messaging than practical energy realities. He recalled that when Russia redirected exports to India in 2022, global oil prices surged, driving fuel costs in the United States to record highs. This episode, he argued, showed the scale of Russia's role in global energy flows and the difficulty of replacing its supplies.

India's dependence on imported crude adds another layer of complexity. The country imports nearly 88 percent of its oil needs, making diversification essential. Before 2022, Russian oil accounted for only a small fraction of India's imports. However, after Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow, Russia sharply increased shipments to India, which became one of its largest buyers.

Recent data, however, shows a decline in volumes. According to energy analytics firm Kpler, India's imports of Russian crude fell to about 1.1 million barrels per day in early January, down from higher levels seen in 2023. Analysts attribute the dip to price fluctuations, logistical challenges, and India's ongoing efforts to balance its energy security with geopolitical considerations.