In recent global discourse, India has often faced criticism for its rising imports from Russia, especially in the context of Western sanctions following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Commentators point to India’s substantial trade volume and suggest that it undermines efforts to economically isolate Russia. However, a more honest and meaningful analysis must ask: Imports for whom?
The answer, plainly, is people. Goods and services are not consumed by territories or governments; they are consumed by individuals. Thus, when evaluating the fairness or proportionality of a country’s imports, especially from a nation under international scrutiny, the relevant metric should be per capita—not just gross import totals.
Russia’s Exports by Destination (Jan–Jun 2025)
| Destination | Total Exports (6 months) | Population (2025 est.) | Per Capita Import from Russia |
| India | $25–26 billion | 1.46 billion | $17.1 |
| EU | $6.5–7.7 billion | 450 million | $14.7–17.1 |
| U.S. | $1.5 billion | 347 million | $4.3 |
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
Based on the above, India imported about $17.1 per person from Russia in the first half of 2025—roughly the same as the European Union. While India’s total trade figure with Russia is higher, it serves a far larger population. The U.S., by contrast, imports far less both in total and per capita.
A Flawed Argument
The frequent criticism of India for “funding” Russia’s war economy often ignores this crucial demographic context. Accusing India of disproportionately helping Russia economically, without adjusting for population, is both statistically misleading and morally unfair.
If fairness is the goal, then comparisons should reflect consumption on a per-person basis. Anything else paints an incomplete and potentially biased picture.
Conclusion
India is not importing more from Russia per person than Western nations such as those in the European Union. Goods are imported to serve the needs of individuals, not square kilometers or political blocs. It’s time to reframe the discussion using metrics that reflect that reality. If the world seeks consistency and credibility in its economic diplomacy, then per capita import comparisons must take center stage.
References
- Reuters. “India’s Russian Oil Imports Up Slightly January–June, Data Shows.” Reuters, July 16, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/indias-russian-oil-imports-up-slightly-january-june-data-shows-2025-07-16/.
- United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. World Population Prospects 2024: India. Accessed July 2025. https://population.un.org/wpp/.
- Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. “June 2025: Monthly Analysis of Russian Fossil Fuel Exports and Sanctions.” CREA, July 2025. https://energyandcleanair.org/june-2025-monthly-analysis-of-russian-fossil-fuel-exports-and-sanctions/.
- Eurostat. “Population on 1 January by Age and Sex.” European Commission, 2025. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics.
- Russian Federal Customs Service. External Trade Bulletin, Jan–Jun 2025. Accessed July 2025. https://eng.customs.gov.ru/statistics/.
- U.S. Census Bureau. “U.S. Population Clock.” U.S. Census, 2025. https://www.census.gov/popclock/.
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