India is now receiving Russian crude oil at a discount of $3 to $4 per barrel, even as it faces mounting pressure from the United States over its energy ties with Moscow. According to a Bloomberg report, Russia’s flagship Urals grade is being offered at lower rates for cargoes scheduled to load in late September and October.
The development comes just days after the Trump administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, a move aimed at penalising New Delhi for continuing imports of Russian oil and allegedly helping Moscow sustain its war in Ukraine.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude, citing energy security and cost advantages. Despite repeated criticism from Washington, New Delhi has deepened its engagement with Moscow and Beijing, signaling a shift in its geopolitical posture.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India’s partnership with Russia as “special” and also held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stressing cooperation over rivalry.
Meanwhile, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro slammed India’s role in global oil markets, accusing New Delhi of indirectly aiding Russia’s war effort. “Before Putin invaded Ukraine, India didn’t buy Russian oil to speak of. Now, Russian refiners provide discounts, India refines it, and then sells it at a premium to Europe, Africa and Asia. It fuels the Russian war machine,” Navarro said.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)