India Boosts US Crude Oil Imports by 51%, Sets New Records

India's crude oil imports from the US have increased dramatically since President Donald Trump's second term, rising 51% compared to the same period in 2024. The growth has been even more pronounced in the last quarter, with a 114% increase. The value of these imports has soared from $1.73 billion in Q1 2024-25 to $3.7 billion in Q1 2025-26. Indian companies are set to increase crude oil imports from the US by 150% in the current financial year. The trend also extends to liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas imports.

India has seen a significant surge in 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 trade data, imports have jumped by more than half compared to the same period in 2024. This marked shift in India's energy procurement strategy has been particularly pronounced in the last quarter, with a 114% increase in imports [1].

The value of these imports has soared from $1.73 billion in the first quarter of 2024-25 to $3.7 billion in the corresponding period of 2025-26, more than doubling in just one year [1]. This upward trajectory has continued through the summer months, with India importing 23% more crude oil from the US in July 2025 compared to June 2025 [1].

The increased trade extends beyond crude oil to other energy products. India's imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from America have also risen sharply. 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% [1].

Sources suggest this is just the beginning, with discussions underway for a major long-term LNG contract worth tens of billions of dollars [1]. The energy trade surge comes as both countries express optimism about their broader relationship. India's foreign ministry has signaled confidence that bilateral ties would continue strengthening despite global uncertainties [1].

The United States has established itself as a dominant force in global oil markets, with production reaching unprecedented heights. Recent data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirms that U.S. crude oil output set a new record in May 2025, continuing a trend of production growth that has transformed global energy dynamics [3].

The increased trade between India and the US is a testament to the resilience of their partnership, anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges, and both countries remain focused on the substantive agenda they have committed to [1].

References:
[1] https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/trumps-second-term-sparks-51-surge-in-oil-trade-between-us-and-india/3934952/
[2] https://m.economictimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/indias-us-crude-oil-imports-surge-51-per-cent-following-trumps-return-to-office-sources/articleshow/123070926.cms
[3] https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/us-crude-oil-production-record-levels-2025/