NEW DELHI: India’s largest private refinery and top importer of Russian oil, Reliance Industries, has bought millions of barrels of crude from the Middle East and US after Washington moved to sanction Russia’s two largest oil companies earlier this week. The latest development comes amid trade talks between Delhi and Washington, following US President Donald Trump’s hefty tariffs on Indian exports, which have risen to 50 percent since August as a penalty for importing Russian oil.

Reliance cutting back on Russian crude import may impact the firm, but could smooth the way for a U.S.-India trade deal.

Last year, Reliance Industries Ltd signed a deal with Russian major Rosneft to import nearly 500,000 barrels per day.

NEW DELHI: India’s largest private refinery and top importer of Russian oil, Reliance Industries, has bought millions of barrels of crude from the Middle East and US after…