India has faced no US pressure to reduce its Russian oil imports, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on October 27, 2026. His comments followed a US waiver of potential duties on countries buying Russian energy.

Key Takeaways

  • Russian crude accounted for roughly 44% of India’s oil imports in August.
  • The US waiver relieved India of potential tariffs of up to 100% under a law enacted in September.

Russian oil imports and the US waiver

Asked at an industry event whether India had faced pressure to cut imports from Russia, Puri said, “I never felt anything.” Russia is India’s biggest oil supplier.

US President Donald Trump invoked a national-interest provision to waive duties under sections 112 and 113 of the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The law, enacted on September 18, provided for potential tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China.

The waiver means India will not face those penalties for sourcing oil from Russia. India had previously told the US that tariffs under the law would adversely affect bilateral relations.

Gas plans and a US visit

India is also planning to purchase liquefied natural gas from Russia under long-term contracts. The waiver followed a deal for Russia to supply diesel to the US.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit Mumbai and Jamnagar. His planned itinerary includes Reliance Industries’ refinery in Jamnagar.

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