1: India’s Oil Imports from Russia Hit 38-Month Low

• Sharp Decline in Russian Share: India’s crude oil imports from Russia dropped to $2.7 billion in December 2025, marking a 38-month low. Russia’s share in India’s oil basket fell to 24.9%, a significant decrease from 34% in November 2025. • Impact of U.S. Sanctions: The decline is primarily attributed to the U.S. Treasury\'s sanctions on Russian oil majors (Rosneft and Lukoil) imposed in late 2024, with wind-down deadlines expiring in November 2021. • Rising U.S. Inflows: Concurrently, oil imports from the U.S. rose by nearly 31% year-on-year (reaching $569.3 million in Dec 2025), indicating a strategic shift toward American crude to mitigate geopolitical risks. • Strategic Diversification: India sourced crude from 19 different countries in December 2025 (up from 16 in 2024), adhering to its policy of \'energy security first\' while balancing relations between the West and Russia. • Geopolitical Narratives: Despite claims by the U.S. administration of a \'deal\' to zero out Russian oil in exchange for tariff reductions, India has maintained that sourcing remains market-driven based on discounts and freight economics. Key Definitions & Provisions • Energy Security: The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. It includes long-term (investments) and short-term (supply-demand balance) security. • Urals Grade: The primary reference oil brand used in Russia, characterized by high sulfur content, which Indian refineries are specially calibrated to process. • Brent Crude: A major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a global benchmark price for purchases from the Middle East and Africa. Conclusion India is navigating a complex \'strategic autonomy\' path, utilizing market fluctuations and diplomatic leverage to ensure affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens while staying sensitive to international sanctions regimes. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy; Effects of liberalization on the economy. • GS Paper 2: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings involving India (India-Russia and India-U.S. relations). • Prelims: Major sources of crude oil for India; Top import commodities.