India Defies Trump Warning, Keeps Buying Russian Oil

Indian officials said the country will keep importing Russian crude, disputing claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that New Delhi had halted the purchases. Speaking to the New York Times, the officials said buying decisions are driven by price, crude grades and logistics, and remain within international regulations. Trump this week warned he would impose unspecified penalties if India continued to source Russian oil, adding to his earlier threat of a 25% tariff on Indian exports. The officials dismissed the remarks, stressing that India, which depends on foreign supplies for about 85% of its oil needs, must secure affordable energy to safeguard domestic economic stability. Russia has become one of India’s top suppliers since 2022, after Western sanctions redirected Moscow’s cargoes to Asia at discounted prices. Indian refiners intend to maintain that arrangement, the officials said, as long as the deliveries remain commercially attractive and comply with global rules.