Marco Rubio: India Promised to End Russian Oil Imports After Trade Agreement

Marco Rubio: India Has Assured US It Will Stop Buying Additional Russian Oil

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India has assured Washington that it will refrain from buying additional Russian oil, following fresh US sanctions on Moscow’s energy sector. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Rubio told Russian news agency TASS, “In our conversations with India, we’ve gotten their commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil. Europe has taken its steps, and India is engaged.”

The statement comes amid ongoing US efforts to restrict Russia’s energy revenues during the Ukraine conflict.

At the same conference, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to strategic autonomy. On energy imports, he noted that decisions are based on global market realities, including availability, cost, and risk. “Would I remain independent-minded and make my decisions? Yes, it can happen,” Jaishankar said.

India has increased discounted Russian crude imports since the Ukraine war, citing energy security and economic considerations. Currently, Russia accounts for nearly 35% of India’s crude imports, while US oil now makes up about 10%. India has also signed a one-year LPG deal with US suppliers and opened its nuclear energy sector to private participation under the SHANTI Bill, 2025.

Differing accounts, including denials from Russian officials and earlier US statements, highlight India’s delicate balancing act: maintaining strategic ties with Russia while engaging with Western partners.