Saudi Arabia emerged as the fastest-growing crude supplier to India in December 2025, posting a remarkable 61% year-on-year increase while Russian supplies contracted. Data shows that US crude imports to India surged by 65.6% to $8.2 billion during April-December 2025, while Russian crude imports fell by more than 17%, declining from $40 billion to $33.1 billion in the same period.
December 2025 highlighted Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in India’s energy portfolio. Saudi crude shipments to India reached $1.75 billion in December 2025, up dramatically from the previous year. Meanwhile, Russia recorded a 15.15% decline to $2.71 billion from $3.2 billion in December 2024, becoming the only supplier among India’s top five to experience falling imports.
The United States also demonstrated strong growth in its crude exports to India. American crude shipments increased by 31% to $569.30 million in December 2025. Iraq maintained steady expansion with a 4.56% rise to $2.37 billion, while the UAE contributed $1.65 billion, reflecting a 6% annual increase. Together, these four suppliers captured market share previously held by Russian crude.
The decline in Russian crude imports accelerated markedly after the US imposed a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods on August 27, 2025, specifically targeting India’s purchases of sanctioned Russian petroleum. Monthly import figures reflect this pressure, with Russian crude shipments declining from $3.62 billion in July 2025 to just $2.71 billion by December 2025—a reduction of more than 35% from November’s level.
India’s total crude oil imports from approximately 39 countries amounted to $11.29 billion in December 2025, representing a 9.1% increase over December 2024’s $10.34 billion. For the April-December 2025 period, aggregate imports totaled $105.10 billion, compared to $109.33 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. Government officials maintain that ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion citizens drives all strategic procurement decisions.