Russia and India have reached an agreement to resume direct supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking the first step towards energy cooperation between the countries since the onset of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. In addition, the parties plan to significantly increase the import of Russian crude oil to India.
This is reported by Finway
Deepening Energy Cooperation
The agreement was reached following negotiations that took place on March 19 in Delhi between Russia’s Deputy Minister of Energy Pavel Sorokin and India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. As a result of the meeting, India could double its imports of Russian crude oil, raising its share to 40% of the country’s total monthly imports.
“India has chosen a course that best aligns with its national interests, based on a long-standing and trusted partnership with Russia,” said Ajay Malhotra, former Indian ambassador to Moscow.
Currently, India is one of the leading buyers of Russian oil in the world. In 2025, the country purchased nearly $44 billion worth of crude oil from Russia, significantly supporting the Kremlin’s economy. Over the past year, Delhi has reduced its purchase volumes due to tariffs on Indian goods imposed by the United States; however, recent events in the Middle East and disruptions in energy supplies have prompted India to reassess its import policy.
Changes in the Energy Market and Strengthening Ties
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reported that the country is actively negotiating with several states to ensure energy security and supply stability, particularly regarding LNG. Additionally, Indian authorities are already purchasing batches of Russian liquefied petroleum gas, which is mainly used for cooking and is not subject to sanctions.
The situation in India’s energy market has become complicated after the U.S. and Israel struck Iran, leading to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. This resulted in a gas shortage, long lines at gas stations, and disruptions in gas supply to food establishments. Against this backdrop, some Indian politicians have criticized the reduction of Russian oil imports as a concession to the U.S.
In addition to energy cooperation, Russia seeks to expand direct flights to India, and 96% of trade transactions between the countries are already conducted in rupees and rubles.
It is worth noting that Ukraine is also seeking opportunities to diversify its energy sources through negotiations with African countries regarding gas supplies.