Washington, D.C. [US], August 3 (ANI): India has significantly ramped up its crude oil imports from the United States since President Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term, according to sources familiar with the trade data. The surge marks a notable shift in India’s energy procurement strategy, with imports jumping by more than half compared to the previous year.
Government sources disclosed the scale of the increase in bilateral energy trade between the world’s largest democracy and the United States. “From January to June 25, India increased its imports of U.S. average crude supplies by 51 percent compared to the same period last year — from 0.18 million barrels per day (mb/d) in January-June 2024 to 0.271 mb/d in the same period of 2025.”
The trend has intensified in recent months, with the April–June 2025 quarter showing a dramatic 114 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024. The financial value of these imports more than doubled, increasing from $1.73 billion in Q1 of 2024–25 to $3.7 billion in the same period of 2025–26.
Momentum appears to be accelerating, with sources reporting continued growth through the summer. “In July 2025, India imported 23 percent more crude oil from the U.S. compared to June 2025. The U.S. share in India’s overall crude imports rose from just 3 percent to 8 percent in July. Furthermore, in the financial year 2025–26, Indian companies are projected to increase their crude oil imports by 150 percent,” the sources noted.
The increase in energy trade goes beyond crude oil. India’s imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States have also seen a sharp rise. LNG imports reached $2.46 billion in the 2024–25 financial year, nearly doubling from $1.41 billion the previous year — an increase of almost 100 percent.
Sources suggest this is only the beginning, with discussions underway for a long-term LNG supply contract potentially worth tens of billions of dollars.
The energy trade boom comes amid broader optimism in U.S.-India relations. On Friday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to strengthen despite global uncertainties.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the resilience of the partnership between New Delhi and Washington.
“India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward,” he said.
The remarks reflect India’s consistent approach of maintaining stable diplomatic and economic relations regardless of political changes in Washington, with energy cooperation emerging as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.
About The Author
