India has stopped buying Russian oil after facing trade pressure from the United States, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday. He linked the move to a 25% tariff imposed during the presidency of Donald Trump.
Bessent made the remarks on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. He said India first reduced its purchases of Russian crude and later stopped them altogether. According to him, the tariff changed India’s cost calculations and forced a rethink on energy sourcing.
The US has stepped up pressure on countries that continue to buy oil from Russia. American officials argue that oil revenues help Moscow sustain its war effort. They also say continued trade weakens the impact of Western sanctions.
Bessent said the tariff sent a strong signal to New Delhi. He added that India adjusted its approach to avoid wider damage to trade ties with the US. He did not provide figures or specify when the purchases ended.
India has not backed the claim. The government has issued no statement confirming a complete halt to Russian oil imports. Indian officials have consistently said the country buys oil based on price, supply stability, and national interest.
After the war in Ukraine began, India became one of the largest buyers of Russian crude. Indian refiners increased imports as Europe cut back. Discounted oil helped India limit fuel price pressure and manage inflation.
If India has indeed stopped buying Russian oil, the shift would be significant. Russian crude has accounted for a major share of India’s imports over the past few years. A sustained halt would push refiners to turn again to suppliers in West Asia, Africa, and the US.
Bessent’s remarks come amid wider debate in Washington. US lawmakers have discussed tougher trade penalties on countries that continue energy trade with Moscow. Some proposals suggest tariffs far higher than 25%.
The comments also carry a broader message. US officials often point to China as the main buyer still supporting Russian oil exports. Public statements on India signal how Washington plans to use trade tools to influence energy flows.
For now, uncertainty remains. Without official confirmation from India or fresh import data, the US claim cannot be independently verified. What is clear is that energy trade has become a central lever in global diplomacy.