Russia Oil Imports A "Point Of Irritation" In India-U.S. Ties, Says Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that India’s relationship with Moscow remains a “point of irritation” in its ties with the United States, Cherylann Mollan reported for BBC News.

Russian oil accounted for 35% to 40% of India’s oil imports in 2024—up from just 3% in 2021. (Photo: LUKOIL)

Rubio’s remarks came just a day after President Trump announced he would impose 25% tariffs on Indian goods—plus an unspecified penalty—in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and weapons.

In an interview with Fox News Radio, Rubio called India an “ally” and a “strategic partner,” but said Delhi’s energy and defense ties with Russia were complicating the relationship.

Russian oil accounted for 35% to 40% of India’s oil imports in 2024—up from just 3% in 2021.

Delhi has defended its purchases, arguing that as a major energy importer, it must seek the cheapest crude available to protect millions of poor Indians from rising costs.

India ramped up imports of discounted Russian crude following the Ukraine war, amid sweeping sanctions from the West.

Rubio acknowledged India’s energy needs and said its purchases were driven by pricing. But he added that the trade was indirectly fueling the Russian war effort in Ukraine.

“I think what you’re seeing the President express is a very clear frustration,” Rubio said. “With so many other oil vendors available, India continues to buy so much from Russia.” He also alluded to Trump’s threat to impose penalties on Indian companies doing business with Moscow.