India unlikely to rapidly drop Russian oil, despite Trump remarks

Recent remarks by Donald Trump on October 15, suggesting India would reduce Russian crude imports, are likely pressure tactics linked to trade negotiations rather than a reflection of an imminent policy change. Russian barrels remain deeply embedded in India’s energy system for economic, contractual, and strategic reasons. Kpler data shows no visible sign of a reduction, with October imports tracking around 1.8 Mbd. Any adjustment is likely to be symbolic rather than structural.