India will need to further curb its purchases of Russian oil to address US concerns and move closer to securing tariff relief, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Speaking in a television interview, Greer said New Delhi has made progress in reducing its reliance on Russian crude but remains attracted to the discounted prices, making a complete shift difficult.

Greer noted that trade discussions between the two countries are ongoing, but a deal to lower tariffs on Indian goods is still some distance away. The Trump administration had imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian imports last year, citing India’s continued oil purchases from Russia as indirectly supporting Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.

Despite US pressure, analysts expect discounted Russian oil to remain a key part of India’s energy mix well into 2026. Meanwhile, India has strengthened trade ties with Europe by finalising a long-pending free trade agreement with the European Union. Greer acknowledged that the EU deal significantly improves India’s access to European markets, potentially boosting growth and exports, even as Washington continues to push for changes in India’s energy sourcing strategy.