India’s Oil Imports Rise As Russia Eyes Trilateral With China

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI — Russia is pressing ahead with efforts to secure its energy and strategic partnership with India, signaling confidence that New Delhi will keep buying Russian oil despite mounting pressure from Washington. At the same time, Moscow is seeking to revive trilateral talks with India and China and is preparing to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy and natural gas supplies.

India’s oil imports from Russia have risen sharply since the Ukraine war, jumping from less than 1% of total crude purchases before the conflict to more than a third today.

For Moscow, however, India remains a vital customer. Russian officials underscored that oil shipments would continue, noting that the financial deadlock over payments had been resolved. Rupee settlements have now been put in place, clearing billions of dollars previously stuck in Indian banks. Discounts averaging 5–7% on Russian crude continue to make the trade highly profitable for Indian refiners.

Beyond crude sales, Russia is broadening its energy pitch. Officials pointed to opportunities for liquefied natural gas supplies to India and reaffirmed plans to expand nuclear cooperation. Moscow has long played a central role in India’s civilian nuclear program, and both sides are exploring ways to build on that foundation in the coming years.

Alongside its bilateral outreach, Russia is trying to breathe life back into a trilateral framework involving India and China. The timing appears favorable, with President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and President Xi Jinping expected to be in the same room later this month at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

The convergence of energy, trade, and diplomacy underscores Moscow’s determination to shield its partnership with India from outside pressures, while at the same time anchoring it within a wider Asian framework that includes China. (with IANS inputs)