India sourced more than 51% of its crude oil imports from Russia in July 2026, according to the latest trade data. This marks an increase from just under 50% in June, reaching an all-time high. Despite mounting international pressure on countries purchasing Russian oil, India continues to be a major buyer of Russian crude. On September 16, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
The bill proposes tariffs of up to 100% on the top five countries importing the largest shares of Russian oil to reduce Russia's oil revenues by applying economic pressure on major crude buyers. If enacted and applied to India, such tariffs could affect India-U.S. trade and the economics of importing Russian crude. They may also influence future oil sourcing decisions and global trade flows.
India's record-high Russian oil share comes at a sensitive time in global energy markets, as the country seeks to secure affordable crude supplies amid changing international sanctions, trade restrictions, and geopolitical tensions. The situation underscores the broader challenge for major oil-importing nations: balancing energy security and cost management while adapting to increasingly restrictive measures on Russian energy exports.
