India’s US crude oil imports jump 270% amid trade talks: Reports
New Delhi: India's crude oil imports from the United States surged by more than 270% year-on-year during the first four months of 2025, as reported by The Indian Express. This sharp increase coincides with intensified trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington, which are now in the final stages of finalizing an interim deal expected by July 9.
According to data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India imported 6.31 million tonnes of US crude between January and April 2025, up from 1.69 million tonnes in the same period last year. The US now accounts for 7% of India’s total oil imports, up from just 2% a year earlier.
In value terms, imports rose to $3.78 billion from approximately $1 billion in the year-ago period, with oil price fluctuations playing a significant role in the increase.
The report notes that India is increasing its US energy purchases as part of a broader effort to reduce its trade surplus with America and to secure more diversified and geopolitically stable sources of energy. Imports from the US rose by 63% year-on-year in April alone, helping narrow the trade surplus to $3.1 billion from $3.4 billion in April 2024.
Officials suggest this move could offer India strategic leverage over other oil-supplying nations in West Asia, especially amid regional tensions. Currently, India depends on imports for over 88% of its crude oil needs.
US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed this energy alignment. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US earlier this year, Trump expressed hopes that the US would become India's leading supplier of oil and gas to help bridge the bilateral trade gap.
In April 2025, US crude accounted for 12% of India’s monthly oil import, up from just 4.6% in April 2024 and 4.7% in March 2025, indicating a steep upward trend.
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26-year-old youth from Andhra dies by suicide in US
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) (PTI): A 26-year-old youth from this district has died allegedly by suicide in Chicago, US, recently, due to distress over debt, sources said on Saturday.
The family members of the deceased have requested that the identity of their relative be withheld, noting that his parents are senior citizens suffering from medical conditions.
Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences and assured assistance for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I request Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure smooth and hassle-free transport of the mortal remains," Lokesh said in a post on X.
An NRI community member from the US posted on social media that one of their members from Kurnool on Optional Practical Training (OPT) passed away in Chicago a few days ago.
He said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) had completed all necessary documentation and formalities to send the mortal remains to India for final rites.
He further requested assistance in expediting the cargo pickup, currently scheduled for Sunday, seeking an earlier arrangement considering the urgency.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
