India's energy import landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with purchases of crude petroleum from the United States witnessing a dramatic surge in the first eight months of the current financial year. Official data reveals a year-on-year increase of more than 92% in imports from the US for the period spanning April to November 2025. Despite this explosive growth from America, Russia has retained its position as India's single largest supplier of crude oil.
By the Numbers: A Tale of Two Suppliers
According to detailed figures released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India imported a total of 178.1 million tonnes of crude oil between April and November 2025. Of this massive volume, supplies from Russia accounted for 60 million tonnes, while the United States contributed 13 million tonnes.
This marks a notable change from the same period in the previous financial year (2024), when total imports stood at 165 million tonnes. Back then, Russia supplied 62.4 million tonnes and the US provided a comparatively modest 7.1 million tonnes.
The data underscores a clear trend: the US share in India's oil import basket has expanded from 4.3% to 7.6%. Conversely, Russia's contribution, while still dominant, has contracted from 37.9% to 33.7% in the current fiscal year.
Monthly Spike and the Sanctions Shadow
The momentum behind the US surge was particularly strong in the month of November 2025. Imports from American sources skyrocketed to 2.8 million tonnes, a staggering 144% increase from the 1.1 million tonnes imported in November 2024.
Meanwhile, imports from Russia in November 2025 saw a more moderate month-on-month increase of 6.8%, rising from 7.2 million tonnes to 7.7 million tonnes. However, this trend faces potential disruption due to recent geopolitical developments.
The United States imposed sanctions on major Russian oil companies, including Rosneft and Lukoil—two critical sources for Indian refiners—in November. With a deadline of November 21 set for winding down dealings, the full impact of these sanctions on India's Russian oil imports will only become clear when official data for December 2025 is released. Industry observers note that this has already led to a fall in dispatches from these sanctioned entities.
Broader Import Basket and Market Adaptations
Beyond the US and Russia, India's crude oil imports are diversified among several key global suppliers. The major exporters to India also include Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Kuwait.
The evolving sanctions regime is also triggering changes in the supply chain. Reports indicate that lesser-known suppliers, intermediaries, and traders are gradually gaining a foothold in the market, potentially facilitating the continued flow of Russian crude through alternative channels.
This recalibration highlights India's strategic balancing act: securing the most affordable energy for its growing economy while navigating the complex web of international sanctions and diplomatic relations. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term shape of the country's oil import partnerships.
