The Centre is seeking weekly disclosure of Russian and US crude oil purchases from refineries, signalling India’s intent to clinch a trade deal with the US. The origins of Indian firms’ oil purchases are typically reflected in monthly customs data and by private sector analytics firms. This marks the first time the government has sought such information from refiners on a weekly basis. While Trump said in October that Modi had pledged to stop buying Russian oil, New Delhi has publicly resisted US pressure, arguing that Russian imports are vital to its energy security. Two of the sources, both of them government officials, told Reuters that refiners have not been expressly instructed to cut Russian oil purchases.

Source: The Telegraph January 03, 2026 05:18 UTC