India’s Russian Oil Imports Hit Record 48% as US Weighs Tariffs
India’s reliance on Russian crude oil reached an unprecedented level in June 2026, with Moscow accounting for 48% of the country’s total crude imports. This development comes amid signals from Washington that it may impose tariffs as high as 100% on nations purchasing Russian oil and gas.
According to data, India imported 8.7 million metric tonnes of Russian crude in June, even as its overall crude imports witnessed a sharp decline from the previous month. The share of the United Arab Emirates also climbed to a historic 17.5%, meaning Russia and the UAE together supplied nearly two-thirds of India’s oil imports during the month.
The surge in Russian oil imports underscores India’s continued engagement with Moscow despite Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure following the conflict in Ukraine. India has repeatedly defended its energy purchases, stating that ensuring affordable and reliable energy for its citizens is a top priority. Officials have noted that Russian crude has often been available at discounted rates, helping India manage its import bill amid global price volatility.
The reported figure marks a significant jump from earlier levels. In 2021, before the war, Russia accounted for less than 2% of India’s crude imports. That share climbed steadily over the following years, crossing 40% in several months before reaching the current record. The trend reflects a broader reshaping of global energy flows, with European nations reducing their dependence on Russian energy while countries like India and China have increased purchases.
At the same time, the United States has ramped up rhetoric around secondary sanctions and tariffs on countries that engage in substantial energy trade with Russia. While no final decision has been announced, the threat of tariffs up to 100% has raised concerns among Indian policymakers and industry stakeholders. The potential measures could target not only direct imports but also refined products or financial transactions related to Russian crude.
India’s overall crude imports fell sharply in June, which analysts attribute to a combination of refinery maintenance schedules, lower domestic demand, and the high base of the previous month. The decline in total volumes makes the Russian share more prominent, but officials stress that the absolute volume of Russian crude remains substantial.
The rise of the UAE as a major supplier is also notable. The 17.5% share is a historic high for the Gulf nation, reflecting deeper energy cooperation between India and the UAE. Together with Russia, the UAE’s share highlights India’s strategy of diversifying its sources while capitalising on favourable pricing. Analysts note that the UAE is part of OPEC+, alongside Russia, and its growing role could influence future production decisions within the bloc.
The development comes at a time when global oil markets are already tight, with supply concerns and geopolitical uncertainties pushing prices upward. India, as the world’s third-largest oil importer, remains highly sensitive to price movements. Any disruption in Russian supply, or new tariffs, could significantly impact India’s energy costs and inflation.
Observers say India’s position is likely to be a subject of high-level discussions during upcoming bilateral talks with the United States and other Western nations. While Washington has sought to isolate Russia economically, India has maintained that its energy trade is a separate matter from its broader foreign policy stance. It continues to call for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
For now, the record Russian share is a reminder of the complex energy landscape facing India. The country must balance its immediate need for affordable oil with its long-term goals of energy security and diversification. How it navigates these pressures, amid escalating tariff threats, will have implications not only for its own economy but also for the global energy order.
