Oil imports from U.S. to rise amid criticism for Russian purchases

U.S. is now the fourth-biggest supplier; will account for 8% of oil imports by India this year

India's oil imports from the United States will rise by 11% this year, officials said on Saturday, as the severely energy-deficient Asian nation looks to secure supplies from producers around the world, including heavily sanctioned Russia.

The surge in oil prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month threatens to fan Indian inflation, stretch public finances and hurt growth just when it was emerging from a pandemic-induced slowdown.

New Delhi faces criticism from the West for its long-standing political and security ties with Moscow, with some saying that engaging in business with Russia will help fund its war. India has urged an end to the violence in Ukraine but abstained from voting against Russia.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, meeting his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during a visit on Saturday, said he will encourage a unified approach on Ukraine.

India buys most of its oil from West Asia , but the United States has emerged as the fourth-biggest source and this year, supplies will rise substantially, a government official briefed on the matter told Reuters.

Iraq supplies 23% of India's oil, followed by Saudi Arabia at 18% and the United Arab Emirates at 11%. The U.S. share of the Indian market will rise to 8% this year, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government policy.

Russia has been a marginal player in the Indian market, but since its February 24 invasion has been offering discounted oil to soften the blow of sweeping sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries.