On October 16 (US time), a White House official told the British news agency that India had cut up to 50% of its oil imports from Russia after efficient trade negotiations with the US.
The discussions between the two countries took place in a constructive atmosphere, aiming to balance New Delhi's economic interests and Washington's concerns regarding energy from Moscow, the source said.
However, some sources in the Indian energy industry believe that this cut is not clearly shown in current figures. They said import contracts for shipments delivered in November, including some expected to arrive in December, had been signed before negotiations took place. Therefore, the real impact may only appear in India's import statistics in December 2025 or January 2026.
According to experts, India's adjustment of oil imports from Russia could significantly affect global energy trade, in the context that the country has been one of Russia's largest customers since Moscow was subject to international sanctions.
Washington is said to be closely monitoring this development to assess the impact on world oil prices and the compliance of partner countries.
