Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that oil supplies from Russia to India have increased following the BRICS summit in Delhi [1, 2].
This shift in energy trade underscores a deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi. The increase in crude shipments suggests that India continues to prioritize energy security and cost-effective sourcing despite international diplomatic pressures.
Lavrov said after the BRICS summit, which took place in August 2024 [1, 2]. He described the relationship between the two nations as a privileged partnership that continues to expand, particularly within the energy sector [2].
"The data is not a secret; our oil supplies to India have increased," Lavrov said [1].
The Russian minister framed the growth of these trade ties as a countermeasure to Western influence. He said that the expansion of the energy trade is a response to attempts by the U.S. to control global markets [2].
"The United States is trying to dominate global energy markets and sideline Russian firms," Lavrov said [2].
Russia has sought to diversify its export destinations to maintain revenue streams amid various sanctions and geopolitical shifts. By increasing volumes to India, Moscow secures a massive consumer market for its crude oil, a move that complicates Western efforts to isolate the Russian economy.
Lavrov said that the energy cooperation is a central pillar of the current diplomatic engagement. He said that the partnership remains strong and continues to grow in the face of global pressures [2].
“"The data is not a secret; our oil supplies to India have increased."”
The increase in Russian oil shipments to India reflects a pragmatic approach by New Delhi to secure energy needs while Moscow seeks to bypass Western economic restrictions. By strengthening this bilateral energy corridor, Russia reduces its dependence on European markets and challenges the efficacy of U.S.-led sanctions on its energy sector.
