Shipments of oil and petroleum products from Russia to India increased by roughly 15% in the first half of 2025, underscoring the continuing energy partnership between the two nations, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin said. The growth comes amid rising tensions with Western markets.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Marshavin highlighted that the energy sector is directly contributing to Moscow and New Delhi’s shared goal of expanding bilateral trade. Since 2022, Indian imports of Russian oil have surged, driven by discounted pricing and Russia’s strategic pivot toward Asian markets. Russian officials estimate that deliveries have risen more than twentyfold over the past three years, as European buyers scale back imports in response to sanctions imposed following the conflict in Ukraine.
The United States has expressed concern over India’s purchases, imposing an additional 25% tariff on certain Indian products on August 6, raising some duties to 50%. Washington views India’s continued Russian oil imports as indirect support for Moscow.
India rejected the criticisms, calling them “unfounded,” and noted that several Western countries maintain trade with Russia. Indian officials emphasized that the purchases align with national economic and energy interests and do not violate international norms.
The Eastern Economic Forum, held from September 3 to 6 in Vladivostok, gathered more than 4,500 participants from over 70 countries. Energy cooperation remained a central theme, reflecting the broader geopolitical shifts and rising trade frictions among major global powers.
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