What is the current state of India's trade relationship with Russia, and what are the key figures?

India and Russia have been among each other’s top five trading partners since 2022, with bilateral trade totaling nearly $60 billion in India’s 2026 fiscal year — a drop of around 13% from the record set in FY2025. The two countries aim to expand trade to $100 billion by the end of the decade. India imports far more from Russia than it exports, primarily oil and petroleum products, while its exports include pharmaceuticals, rice, and tea.

How has India responded to U.S. pressure regarding Russian oil purchases, and what does this reveal about its strategic autonomy?

Despite steep U.S. tariffs imposed by the Trump administration to pressure India into halting Russian oil imports — a key revenue source for Russia’s war in Ukraine — India has continued purchasing Russian crude to ensure its energy security. This reflects India’s commitment to strategic autonomy, as it prioritizes national interests over external pressure, even as it seeks deeper ties with the U.S. to counter China’s assertiveness.