India’s diversification of energy sources accelerated notably in late 2025 in response to evolving international pressures and trade dynamics. While US crude imports to India increased by 65.6% to $8.2 billion during April-December 2025, Russian crude imports contracted by more than 17%, falling from $40 billion to $33.1 billion in the same period.
December 2025 data demonstrates the acceleration of diversification efforts. Russian crude shipments to India declined by 15.15% to $2.71 billion from $3.2 billion in December 2024, representing a sharp 35% month-on-month drop from November 2025. This decline prompted increased sourcing from alternative suppliers to maintain energy security.
The diversification strategy yielded positive results with multiple alternative suppliers. Saudi Arabia led the expansion with remarkable 61% growth, supplying crude valued at $1.75 billion in December 2025. The United States contributed significantly with a 31% increase to $569.30 million. Iraq added $2.37 billion, up 4.56%, while the UAE delivered $1.65 billion, reflecting a 6% annual rise.
Government officials have emphasized that diversifying energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics forms the core strategy for ensuring energy security. The US implementation of a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods on August 27, 2025 represented one such evolving dynamic, prompting accelerated diversification. Russian crude imports declined from $3.62 billion in July 2025 to $2.71 billion in December 2025.
India’s comprehensive crude oil imports from approximately 39 countries totaled $11.29 billion in December 2025, up 9.1% from $10.34 billion in December 2024. Cumulative imports for April-December 2025 reached $105.10 billion, compared to $109.33 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. The accelerated diversification demonstrates India’s adaptive energy security approach.