Russian oil exporters are predicted to take in $153 billion this year, according to the Kyiv institute. Fossil fuels are the single largest source of budget revenue. The imports support Russia’s ruble currency and help Russia to buy goods from other countries, including weapons and parts for them.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would increase the tariff charged on imports from India from the current rate of 25% "very substantially" over the next 24 hours, in view of New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil.

Indian experts believe the U.S. president is trying to gain short-term leverage in trade negotiations with New Delhi.