India has asked its oil refiners to submit weekly data on crude imports from Russia and the United States, as New Delhi works to advance a long-pending trade deal with Washington. Sources familiar with the matter said the move is aimed at ensuring timely and verified figures when discussions with US officials intensify.
The request comes as India’s purchases of discounted Russian oil draw scrutiny from Western nations. Since the Ukraine war began in 2022, India has emerged as the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude, a trend that has strained relations with the United States.
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Officials said the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell is collecting the information on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office. The data will not be made public, but is intended to counter reliance on secondary estimates used by foreign governments.
Russian oil has become a sensitive issue in India–US negotiations, particularly after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods last year. The two sides are seeking a broader trade agreement, but talks have been complicated by disagreements over energy, agriculture and diplomacy.
While Indian authorities have not formally instructed refiners to cut Russian imports, industry sources expect volumes to decline. Imports are forecast to average below one million barrels per day in coming months, down from peaks of about two million barrels per day earlier in 2025.
Tighter US and European sanctions have already slowed Russian flows to India. Data indicates shipments fell to a three-year low in December, reflecting logistical hurdles and increased compliance risks.
At the same time, India is exploring options to boost energy purchases from the United States. Refiners have increased imports of US gas and are considering higher crude volumes as part of broader trade concessions.
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Analysts say energy trade is emerging as a key bargaining tool in negotiations with Washington. Balancing energy security, economic interests and diplomatic pressure will remain central to India’s strategy in the months ahead.