World News
Russia Offers Oil Supply to India as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Pushes Global Prices Up
As tensions continue to rise in West Asia and global energy markets remain under pressure, Russia has reiterated its willingness to supply crude oil to India.
As tensions continue to rise in West Asia and global energy markets remain under pressure, Russia has reiterated its willingness to supply crude oil to India.
Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov on Thursday stated that Moscow has always been open to providing crude oil to India, even as global oil prices surge due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking to the media, Alipov said, “We have always been open to supplying crude oil to India.”
Strait of Hormuz Disruption Raises Global Energy Concerns
The situation in the energy market has intensified after Iran effectively restricted shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial oil transit routes.
The narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman handles nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. Any disruption in this corridor can significantly impact global energy supply and prices.
For India, the situation is particularly sensitive. The country imports nearly 88 percent of its crude oil needs and about 50 percent of its natural gas, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
West Asia Instability Could Impact India’s Energy Security
West Asia has long remained a key energy partner for India. However, growing instability in the region could pose challenges for New Delhi’s energy security.
Over the past few days, the conflict has escalated with attacks and counter-attacks between involved parties, increasing uncertainty in global oil markets.
US Pressure and Decline in Russian Oil Purchases
India’s imports of Russian crude oil have reportedly declined in recent weeks. The development comes amid geopolitical pressure from the United States.
Last month, US President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with India and claimed that New Delhi had agreed to avoid purchasing crude oil from Russia.
Earlier, Washington had imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods in August 2025, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The tariff was later rolled back through an executive order.
However, the US government has also indicated that it will monitor whether India resumes buying Russian oil directly or indirectly before deciding on possible tariff actions in the future.
India Focused on Diversifying Energy Sources
Despite the geopolitical pressure, India has consistently maintained that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and supply security.
Officials have emphasized that the country will continue to purchase oil from multiple sources and diversify suppliers to ensure stability in the energy supply chain.
As global energy markets remain volatile, Russia’s offer to continue supplying crude oil could become an important factor in India’s strategy to maintain steady fuel supplies.
