As Donald Trump Targets India Over Russian Oil, A Fact Check On Who's Really Buying What
India hit back at Trump's tariff threat with a sharp rebuttal, citing Western imports from Russia. Here's a look at who's actually trading with Moscow, and who's getting the blame
After threatening to hike tariffs on India for its continued energy ties with Russia, US President Donald Trump found himself cornered when asked to explain his own country's imports from Moscow. India, meanwhile, issued a sharp rebuttal, calling out the West's double standards. While the diplomatic exchange grabbed headlines, the broader question remains: where does India really stand when it comes to buying Russian energy?
Here's a detailed look at the facts.
What Did Trump Say About India's Oil Imports?
On Monday, Trump claimed that India is profiteering off Russian oil while ignoring the human cost of the Ukraine war. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: 'India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine… I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA."
The new tariffs, he suggested, would go well beyond the 25% rate imposed earlier.
India underlined that it would take 'all necessary measures to safeguard national interest and economic security."
Trump's Reaction To India's Rebuttal
While taking questions from reporters on Tuesday (local time), Trump appeared unaware of India's specific claims about US imports from Russia. When asked by ANI about American purchases of Russian Uranium and chemical fertilisers, Trump said: ' I don't know anything about it. I have to check… But we will get back to you on this."
Now, To The Real Question: Is India Secretly Funding Russia's War?
Is Russian Oil Under Sanctions?
No, Russian oil is not under a blanket sanction regime like Iranian or Venezuelan oil. Instead, it is subject to a price cap mechanism introduced by the G7 and the European Union. This allows oil to remain in global markets but aims to restrict the revenue Russia can earn from it.
India adheres to this price cap, buying oil below the threshold through legal channels, under rules designed by the West itself.
Then Why Is India Being Targeted?
Because while India's energy trade with Russia is transparent and within globally accepted norms, several other countries continue similar transactions without facing comparable scrutiny.
The criticism directed at India often overlooks a broader reality: it is not the only, or even the largest, buyer of Russian energy. The data tells a far more balanced story than the headlines suggest.
Who Are The Top Buyers Of Russian Crude Oil?
According to data from December 2022 to July 2025:
India is a major buyer, yes, but not the largest. And it is certainly not alone. European countries, despite their political stance, also remain importers.
What About Russian Natural Gas? Is India Buying That Too?
Not in any significant volume. The European Union, on the other hand, remains the biggest importer of Russian gas. In June 2025 alone, the EU paid over €1.2 billion for Russian gas. France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Slovakia were among the main importers.
Does India Buy Refined Petroleum Products From Russia?
No. India does not purchase refined fuel from Russia. However, other countries do. Turkey, a NATO member, bought 26 per cent of Russia's refined fuel. China and Brazil also figure among major buyers.
Is India Violating International Rules?
No. India's purchases are routed through international commodity traders, are priced below the G7-mandated cap, and comply with global norms regarding shipping and insurance. The process is legal, transparent, and adheres to the structure laid out by Western-led sanctions frameworks.
What Happens If India Stops Buying Russian Oil?
Energy analysts have warned that a complete halt in Indian purchases could destabilise global oil markets, potentially driving prices above $200 per barrel. India's role in the global energy ecosystem has helped prevent a price shock, especially for developing economies.
Even several US officials have made public statements recognising India's role in maintaining market stability.
In November 2022, the US Treasury Secretary said Washington was 'happy for India to keep buying oil." In 2024, Biden's energy adviser acknowledged India's contribution to stabilising global markets. In May 2024, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti said that 'India delivered" and helped prevent a global oil price spike.
Do Western Countries Continue To Trade With Russia?
Yes. Despite sanctions, several Western nations continue to trade in various forms:
The EU imports Russian crude through pipelines to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic
Japan has an exemption that allows oil imports from Russia until 2026
The EU's 18th sanctions package included exceptions for the UK, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States
India isn't hiding its trade; others just don't talk about theirs.
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The Bottom Line
India's oil imports from Russia are legal, capped, and transparent. The framework it follows was set by the same countries now raising objections. Meanwhile, some of the loudest voices continue business with Moscow, quietly, and at scale.
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First Published:
August 06, 2025, 09:20 IST
News india As Donald Trump Targets India Over Russian Oil, A Fact Check On Who's Really Buying What
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