India Continues To Import Russian Crude Despite Pressure From U.S & E.U

India has received more than 5 million barrels of Russian crude oil amidst rising pressure and Western sanctions.

The shipments, including Urals and Varandey grade crude, were delivered by several Aframax tankers such as Horae, Minion, Destan, etc.

It was unloaded at Sikka, Mundra, Kochi and Mangalore Ports with oil meant for Reliance Industries Ltd, Nayara Energy, and also state-owned companies like Indian Oil Corp, HPCL-Mittal Energy, Bharat Petroleum, and ONGC.

Even though there is pressure from the US and EU, India continues to secure discounted Russian oil, highlighting its independent foreign policy and affordable energy sourcing.

Per sources, the tankers discharged 2.2 million barrels of Urals crude to Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy. Vessels such as Minion, Destan and Aldebaran had to deliver a similar volume, with Mundra Port estimated to service Indian Oil Corporation and HPCL-Mittal Energy.

Another ship, Mikati, also unloaded more than 720,000 barrels of Russian Varandey crude at refiners operated by Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd in Kochi and ONGC in Mangalore.

New Delhi has not issued any directive to stop Russian oil purchases.

“Our relationships with countries are based on independent merit,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, reinstating India’s stance on strategic autonomy.

He also called Indo-Russian relations a steady and time-tested partnership.

The move comes after Donald Trump warned of punitive steps against countries trading with Russia.

His administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports to the U.S, causing headaches for Indian refineries.

A senior U.S official has also accused India of effectively supporting Putin’s Ukraine campaign.

Recent EU sanctions targeted Nayara Energy for its links with Russian entities, which forced the company to decrease its scale of operations, pushing refiners to explore alternative procurement strategies.

However, Reliance Industries continues to uphold its agreement with Rosneft PJSC.

Source: Maritime Shipping News