India’s long-term energy security planning drove significant short-term procurement adjustments in 2025, prioritizing sustainable supplier relationships over immediate cost benefits. Data shows that 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 reflected this long-term strategic approach. Russian crude shipments to India declined by 15.15% to $2.71 billion from $3.2 billion in December 2024, despite continued availability of discounted pricing. The reduction suggests that long-term energy security considerations outweighed short-term economic advantages in procurement decisions.
Alternative suppliers offering more stable long-term relationships expanded their presence. Saudi Arabia, a historically reliable supplier, increased deliveries by 61% to $1.75 billion in December 2025. The United States, representing a growing long-term partnership, posted a 31% gain to $569.30 million. Iraq and the UAE, both established long-term partners, contributed $2.37 billion and $1.65 billion respectively, with modest increases.
Government officials have consistently emphasized that ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion Indians remains the supreme priority, with diversification based on sustainable relationships being central to long-term planning. The US implementation of a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods on August 27, 2025 highlighted the risks of over-dependence on suppliers subject to geopolitical constraints. Russian crude imports declined from $3.62 billion in July 2025 to $2.71 billion in December 2025.
India’s total crude oil imports from all sources reached $11.29 billion in December 2025, up 9.1% from $10.34 billion in December 2024. Cumulative imports for April-December 2025 totaled $105.10 billion, compared to $109.33 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. The procurement adjustments demonstrate strategic long-term thinking.
