India and Russia Tighten Energy Ties After Trump Strikes

India cut its Russian oil purchases in early January to appease the United States, but a few months later it is moving closer to Moscow again.

In a meeting on March 19, Russia’s energy deputy and India’s gas minister said they will work together to bring back Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales.
If India agrees, the deal could be finished in weeks—though it might break Western rules.

The change comes after a sharp rise in energy costs triggered by the U.S.–Israel attack on Iran.
Iran struck shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz, which carry about half of India’s oil and gas.
Long lines at gas stations illustrate how hard the supply problem is.

India has always bought cheap Russian crude.
Last year it spent almost $44 billion on the oil, helping Russia keep its war budget afloat.

The Trump administration had called this a bad deal and imposed high tariffs on Indian goods.
Now the U.S. has relaxed some limits after its own court ruled those tariffs illegal.
India asked Washington for a waiver so it could buy some sanctioned cargoes again.

Russia wants more than just oil.
It also offers to help India build power lines in remote mountains and add more direct flights between the two countries.
These projects could bring new money into India’s economy.

Some analysts say the new LNG deal will not be as good for India as an older 20‑year contract.
Russia now has more power to set the terms, and it may charge higher prices.

India says it will keep negotiating with all partners to secure its energy needs.
The country wants the best possible deals while staying out of trouble with other nations.