India has opted not to direct its oil refiners to cease purchasing Russian oil, as officials carefully navigate the complexities of energy demands alongside diplomatic relations with the US. While refiners have the flexibility to procure from preferred suppliers,

U.S. President Donald Trump's demand on India to halt Russian oil imports could threaten billions in Russian revenues, prompt Moscow to retaliate by stopping a major U.S.-led oil pipeline and potentially lead to a new global supply crisis.

India has indicated it will defy threats made by US President Donald Trump and continue buying Russian oil. The world's third-largest crude importer - after China and the US - cashed in on cheap Russian oil when its price plummeted after Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.