To reach a trade agreement with the US, Indian oil refiners are avoiding buying Russian crude oil.

According to sources in the Indian refining and trading sector, Indian refiners are avoiding purchasing Russian oil for delivery in April, and are expected to stay away from Russian oil for a longer period of time. This move could help India reach a trade agreement with the United States. The United States and India have taken a step towards reaching a trade agreement, with both sides announcing a framework agreement aimed at concluding negotiations by March. A trader who has previously dealt with Indian refiners said that Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Reliance Industries are currently not accepting offers from traders for Russian oil scheduled for loading in March and April.