India has come under renewed pressure from the United States over its crude oil imports from Russia. However, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI)
has published a report accusing Donald Trump of selectively targeting India while ignoring China’s far greater trade volume with Russia. The criticism was published by GTRI, cited by ANI, and comes amid a wider trade and diplomatic tussle involving the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Trump administration. The findings are being discussed globally, but the context remains squarely between Washington, New Delhi, and Beijing, especially in light of increasing tariff threats and trade sanctions. The GTRI report was released following Trump’s remarks on Truth Social in early August 2025, in which he accused India of "buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it for big profits." GTRI argues that Trump's lack of criticism toward China, which imported $62.6 billion worth of Russian oil in 2024 (compared to India’s $52.7 billion), may stem from geopolitical calculations rather than facts. It emphasised that, “Trump appears unwilling to criticise China, perhaps because of geopolitical calculations, and instead targets India unfairly.” GTRI dismantled the claim by clarifying that India does not export crude oil, it only exports refined petroleum products, a globally accepted practice. Indian refiners such as IOC, BPCL and Reliance operate independently and make purchasing decisions based on commercial, not political, considerations.
MEA Strikes Back: ‘Unjustified and Unreasonable’
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong rebuttal to the tariff threats, pointing to Western hypocrisy. It stated, “India’s purchases of crude oil from Russia are a necessity compelled by global market conditions... not a political endorsement of Moscow.”The MEA also warned, “India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
It highlighted that both the US and EU continue their own trade in critical commodities with Russia—despite their rhetoric.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
| Country | Russian Oil Imports (2024) | Change in May 2025 YoY |
|---|---|---|
| China | $62.6 billion | +8.4% |
| India | $52.7 billion | -9.8% |
According to GTRI, India’s imports of Russian oil dropped 9.8 per cent year-on-year in May 2025, signalling that refiners are already moderating purchases due to market signals and sanction risks.
