India’s Plan to End Russian Oil Imports Brings Fresh Hope for Nigeria’s Crude Exports
Story: written by Peterson October 16,2025
In a major shift that could benefit Nigeria’s oil sector, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop purchasing crude oil from Russia. The move comes as Washington intensifies efforts to cut off Moscow’s energy revenue and hasten an end to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump said he received assurances from Modi that India would phase out its imports of Russian oil “within a short period of time,” calling the development “a big stop” that could open new opportunities for other oil-exporting nations, including Nigeria — a former key supplier to India.
The U.S. administration has been pressuring India, one of Russia’s largest energy customers, to align with Western sanctions and reduce financial flows to the Kremlin. However, New Delhi has previously defended its purchases, citing national energy security and affordability concerns.
Reacting to Trump’s statement, an Indian government spokesperson confirmed that talks with the U.S. were ongoing, noting that Washington had expressed interest in deepening energy cooperation with India.
“Our policies are designed to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers amid global volatility. Our energy imports are guided solely by this objective,” the spokesperson said.
Russia counts oil and gas as its largest export revenue sources, with major buyers including China, India, and Turkey. President Trump also revealed that he plans to engage with China and Japan to follow suit, urging them to stop importing Russian energy products.
“India can’t halt purchases overnight — it’s going to be a process, but it will happen soon,” Trump said, acknowledging the logistical and economic complexities involved.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has imposed steep tariffs — up to 50% on Indian goods — as part of a broader trade strategy to discourage Delhi’s transactions with Moscow. The tariffs, which took effect in August, include a 25% penalty for deals linked to Russia’s oil and weapons sectors.
Analysts say India’s gradual withdrawal from Russian oil could revive Nigeria’s crude export prospects, especially as Indian refiners look to diversify supply sources. Before the Russia-Ukraine war, India was one of Nigeria’s biggest oil customers.
If fully implemented, the move could restore Nigeria’s foothold in the Asian energy market and strengthen bilateral trade ties between Abuja and New Delhi.
