India Defies US on Russian Oil Imports Despite Tensions
Published on 8.10.25
India's refusal to stop importing Russian oil has led to a drop in the price of Ural, but experts believe it won't completely halt Russian imports. This shift is a departure from 2018 when US President Trump demanded India "zero out" oil from Iran and Venezuela. India stopped direct purchases from both countries in May 2019 due to heavy losses. The move may damage the India-US relationship, which has been strengthened through civil nuclear cooperation, military ties, and technology partnerships since 1999. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval recently visited Moscow to prepare for Russian President Putin's visit, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to follow suit. Indian Prime Minister Modi will travel to Japan and China for the SCO summit and a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amidst efforts to restore ties with the US before the November Quad summit.