India’s decision to buy oil comes at a time when a drone attack from Ukraine has caused significant damage to a Russian refinery. While the purchase of oil from Russia is unpopular in some circles, with Donald Trump trying to use every possible tactic to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war, his efforts have so far been unsuccessful. It is for this reason that President Trump has imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on India.
However, according to reports from the news agency Reuters, India is now going to increase its purchase of crude oil from Russia. Purchases may increase by 10 to 20 percent in September compared to August.
India to increase oil purchase
India’s decision to buy oil comes at a time when a drone attack from Ukraine has caused immense damage to a Russian refinery. This has also reduced its refining capacity. In such a situation, Russian exporters have reduced oil prices to increase sales.
It is worth noting that after the Western countries’ sanctions on Moscow in 2022, India has become a major buyer of Russian oil. Cheap oil has helped Indian refiners to keep oil prices stable. However, this has also been criticized because the benefits of this cheap oil have not reached the people.
This is the reason why this week, from August 27, 2025, the tariff rates on Indian goods like clothes and jewelry have been increased to 50 percent. This is a major step in recent times to economically restrict India.
However, officials say that talks on the tariff dispute are still going on with the Trump administration. At the same time, PM Modi is continuously working to improve his relations with Russia and China.