India’s energy import landscape for 2025 demonstrates a clear shift in sourcing patterns, with American crude oil gaining significant ground. Official statistics reveal that US crude imports to India surged by 65.6% to $8.2 billion during the April-December 2025 period, while Russian crude imports declined by more than 17%, dropping from $40 billion to $33.1 billion compared to the previous year.
December 2025 data highlights the changing dynamics in India’s crude procurement strategy. Among the nation’s five principal suppliers—Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the US—only Russia witnessed a contraction in shipments. Russian crude imports fell 15.15% to $2.71 billion in December 2025, down from $3.2 billion in December 2024, marking a notable reversal in what had been a growing trade relationship.
India’s other major crude suppliers demonstrated robust performance during the same period. Saudi Arabia posted exceptional growth with a 61% year-on-year increase, supplying crude valued at $1.75 billion in December 2025. The United States recorded a 31% rise in crude exports to India, totaling $569.30 million. Iraq maintained positive momentum with a 4.56% increase to $2.37 billion, while UAE shipments grew 6% to reach $1.65 billion.
The decline in Russian crude imports appears directly connected to US trade policy initiatives. Analysts note that the 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods, imposed on August 27, 2025, was designed specifically to deter India from purchasing sanctioned Russian petroleum. The measure’s impact became increasingly visible through the final months of 2025, with Russian crude imports plummeting from $3.72 billion in November to $2.71 billion in December.
India’s total crude imports from all sources amounted to $11.29 billion in December 2025, representing a 9.1% increase over December 2024’s $10.34 billion. For the broader April-December 2025 period, cumulative imports stood at $105.10 billion, slightly below the $109.33 billion recorded in the equivalent 2024 period. Officials maintain that safeguarding energy access for the nation’s 1.4 billion citizens drives all procurement decisions, with source diversification playing a crucial role.