Russia offers expanded energy supplies to India amid West Asia crises
As tensions in West Asia continue to unsettle global energy markets, Russia has stepped forward with an offer to boost crude oil and natural gas supplies to India, signalling a deepening of strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The proposal was highlighted during high-level discussions held in New Delhi on Thursday between Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and key Indian officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Manturov also met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Energy cooperation emerged as a central theme across these engagements, reflecting both countries’ shared interest in ensuring stability amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions. According to a Russian statement, Manturov emphasised that Russian firms are well-positioned to steadily increase supplies of both crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet India’s growing demand.
The discussions come at a time when the global energy landscape is under significant strain due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Disruptions in shipping routes, particularly through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, have driven up international oil and gas prices. The narrow passage handles a substantial share of the world’s energy shipments, making it a critical chokepoint for global supply.
India, which relies heavily on imports to meet its energy needs, has been particularly sensitive to these fluctuations. West Asia has traditionally been a major supplier, and any instability in the region has immediate implications for India’s energy security.
Against this backdrop, Russia’s offer is seen as both timely and strategically significant. It not only provides India with an alternative supply channel but also reinforces the broader trajectory of strengthening bilateral ties.
The issue was also discussed during the meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), co-chaired by Manturov and Jaishankar. The two sides reviewed progress in multiple areas, including trade, industry, connectivity, and technological collaboration.
Efforts to expand bilateral trade and investment were high on the agenda. Both countries explored measures to facilitate smoother trade flows and create favourable conditions for increasing economic engagement despite the evolving global environment.
Russia also highlighted its growing role in supporting India’s agricultural sector, noting a significant rise in fertiliser exports. Supplies to India increased substantially by the end of 2025, with Moscow expressing readiness to continue meeting Indian requirements.
In addition to energy and trade, discussions covered emerging sectors such as innovation, critical minerals, and mobility. The two sides also exchanged views on broader regional and global developments, including the West Asia conflict.
The meetings reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held in December last year, where both countries outlined an ambitious roadmap to strengthen economic ties. The plan aims to elevate bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030 through sustained cooperation across key sectors.
Civil nuclear energy also featured in the talks, with Russia expressing a strong interest in expanding collaboration in this domain. Officials indicated that there is considerable potential to deepen engagement, building on existing partnerships.
As geopolitical uncertainties continue to reshape global supply chains, the India-Russia partnership appears poised to play an increasingly important role in ensuring energy security and economic resilience for both nations.
