Domestic political considerations balanced international pressure in shaping India’s crude oil procurement shifts during 2025, requiring careful navigation of multiple constituencies. While US crude imports to India increased by 65.6% to $8.2 billion during April-December 2025, Russian crude imports contracted by more than 17%, falling from $40 billion to $33.1 billion in the same period.
December 2025 procurement reflected this domestic-international balance. Russian crude shipments to India declined by 15.15% to $2.71 billion from $3.2 billion in December 2024, managed without official government directives that might create domestic political controversy. The market-driven approach allowed adjustment without appearing to bow to external pressure.
Alternative suppliers expanded without political complications. Saudi Arabia’s 61% growth to $1.75 billion in December 2025 proceeded smoothly within established bilateral frameworks. The United States’ 31% increase to $569.30 million occurred as commercial expansion rather than political concession. Iraq and the UAE, contributing $2.37 billion and $1.65 billion respectively, maintained non-controversial supply relationships.
The domestic-international balancing act intensified following the US imposition of a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods on August 27, 2025. Government officials emphasized energy security for 1.4 billion Indians and diversification based on market conditions, framing procurement shifts in terms of national interest rather than external pressure. This messaging allowed Russian crude imports to decline from $3.62 billion in July 2025 to $2.71 billion in December 2025 without appearing to capitulate.
India’s total crude oil imports from all sources reached $11.29 billion in December 2025, up 9.1% from $10.34 billion in December 2024. Cumulative imports for April-December 2025 totaled $105.10 billion, compared to $109.33 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. The political navigation demonstrates sophisticated policy management.