Indian refiners are avoiding Russian oil purchases for delivery in April, sources in refining and trade told Reuters. This reluctance comes as India and the US edge closer to a trade pact to deepen economic ties and cut tariffs, expected by March. Top Indian firms like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Reliance Industries are not accepting offers for Russian oil loading in March and April, said a trader who contacted the refiners. Although some Russian oil deliveries are still scheduled for March, most Indian refiners have stopped buying from Russia. US President Donald Trump lifted 25% tariffs on Indian goods, imposed due to Russian oil purchases, stating India had “committed to stop directly or indirectly” importing Russian oil. However, India has yet to officially announce such a halt. A foreign ministry spokesperson said India is focusing on “diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics.” Despite this, Nayara, a Russia-backed private refiner relying only on Russian crude at its 400,000-barrel-per-day refinery, may continue its purchases. Nayara will pause Russian imports in April due to refinery maintenance but has not ruled out future orders. India’s imports of Russian crude, which surged after the 2022 Ukraine invasion, are dropping. Data shows imports were at their lowest in two years in December. India aims to cut Russian oil imports below one million barrels per day by March, down from 1.7 million bpd last year, and possibly reach 500,000–600,000 bpd later. Meanwhile, Indian refiners are buying more oil from the Middle East, Africa, and South America as they scale back Russian crude purchases. The move fits India’s energy strategy and its goal to safeguard energy security amid changing global conditions.