Our Bureau
New Delhi
Russia has promised to boost supplies of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India as war in West Asia shakes up global energy markets. This move comes at a key time when India needs steady fuel to keep prices stable for its people.
Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov visited India and met top leaders. He held talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Manturov said Russian firms can ramp up oil and LNG shipments to meet India’s needs during the crisis.
The meetings took place during the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Both sides focused on energy ties, trade growth, fertilizers, nuclear power, and new areas like technology and critical minerals. They also reviewed plans from the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025, where President Vladimir Putin met Modi. That summit set a goal of USD 100 billion in yearly trade by 2030.
India has pushed refineries to run at over 100% capacity and diversified oil sources since the West Asia conflict began. Russia already hiked fertilizer supplies by 40% to India by late 2025 and stands ready to do more. Work on new units at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is on track.
This energy pact could ease fears over disruptions from key routes like the Strait of Hormuz, hit by the Iran-Israel war. It strengthens the long-time India-Russia bond, helping India shield its economy from global shocks. Experts see it as a smart step for energy security in tough times.
