India’s commitment to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens drove an adaptive crude procurement strategy in 2025, with supplier composition adjusting to market conditions and international dynamics. US crude imports to India surged by 65.6% to $8.2 billion during April-December 2025, while Russian crude imports contracted by more than 17%, falling from $40 billion to $33.1 billion year-on-year.
December 2025 data illustrates this adaptive approach in action. Russian crude shipments to India declined by 15.15% to $2.71 billion from $3.2 billion in December 2024, making Russia the only supplier among India’s top five to experience negative growth. Government officials consistently emphasize that all decisions are made with energy security as the paramount concern.
India’s diversification strategy yielded positive results with other suppliers. Saudi Arabia achieved remarkable growth of 61%, supplying crude valued at $1.75 billion in December 2025. The United States recorded a 31% increase to $569.30 million. Iraq contributed $2.37 billion, up 4.56%, while UAE deliveries reached $1.65 billion, reflecting a 6% annual rise.
Official statements emphasize that diversifying energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics forms the core of India’s energy security strategy. The US implementation of a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods on August 27, 2025 represented one such evolving dynamic, contributing to the decline in Russian crude imports from $3.62 billion in July 2025 to $2.71 billion in December 2025.
India’s comprehensive crude oil imports from all sources totaled $11.29 billion in December 2025, up 9.1% from $10.34 billion in December 2024. For the April-December 2025 period, aggregate imports reached $105.10 billion, compared to $109.33 billion in the corresponding period of 2024, demonstrating India’s continued focus on securing adequate energy supplies.