Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler shows that India’s crude oil imports from Russia rose by about 6% in February 2026 compared with the previous month, even as the United States has stepped up diplomatic and economic pressure to curb purchases of Russian barrels.
Industry observers had anticipated a sharper fall in Russian oil imports amid ongoing efforts by Washington to discourage purchases from Moscow through punitive tariffs and diplomatic engagement. Instead, the latest data indicate that shipments of Russian crude remained stable or slightly increased month‑on‑month in February, although they are still below the elevated levels seen in recent years.
At the same time, India has been diversifying its crude supply base. Imports from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern producers surged significantly, helping to balance the overall crude mix and narrow the gap between Russia and other key suppliers. Saudi crude shipments to India have approached levels similar to Russian volumes, according to Kpler analytics.
Energy strategists say the modest uptick in Russian crude flows underscores India’s complex energy calculus: balancing geopolitical pressures from the U.S. with the need to secure competitively priced energy supplies for its refining sector and growing domestic demand. India’s refiners have also signalled commitments to explore other sources, including increased cargoes from the Middle East and Venezuela, to ensure supply stability and reduce reliance on any single source.
Despite shifts in the import slate and external pressures, Russia continues to be an important crude supplier for India. The latest figures highlight that refiners are navigating geopolitical headwinds while maintaining energy security and commercial priorities in a volatile global market.
