India’s Imports of US Crude Oil Rise Over 50% After Donald Trump’s Return to Office
LNG imports from the US also see a twofold increase in the same period.
India has significantly ramped up its crude oil imports from the United States during the second term of President Donald Trump, marking a notable shift in its energy sourcing approach, according to official trade data cited by ANI, quoting government sources.
In the first six months of 2025, exports of American crude oil to India grew by over 50%, averaging 0.271 million barrels per day (mb/d) between January and June. This is a sharp rise compared to 0.18 mb/d during the same period in the previous year.
In the April–June quarter, volumes registered a 114% year-on-year jump, with the value of imports going up from $1.73 billion in Q1 FY24–25 to $3.7 billion in Q1 FY25–26.
In July 2025 alone, imports from the US grew 23% compared to the previous month, increasing the US share in India’s crude basket from 3% to 8%. Sources revealed that Indian refiners are expected to enhance their oil purchases from the US by 150% in FY25–26.
The rise is not limited to crude oil alone.
Imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) almost doubled, increasing from $1.41 billion in FY23–24 to $2.46 billion in FY24–25. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports also showed notable growth, with discussions currently underway regarding a multi-billion-dollar long-term LNG supply agreement.
This boost in energy trade signifies strengthening strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Washington.
Reiterating this sentiment, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Friday: “India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, rooted in common interests, democratic principles, and strong people-to-people connections… We remain committed to the focused and substantive agenda both nations have agreed upon.”
Even with the notable spike in oil imports from the US, Indian authorities have underlined that the country will continue its crude oil trade with Russia.
This clarification comes amid remarks by US President Donald Trump, claiming that New Delhi had stopped buying Russian oil — a statement that Indian officials have firmly denied.
