Putin: Russia is Willing to Supply ‘uninterrupted’ Fuel
Putin Reassures India as U.S. Tariffs Intensify India–Russia Oil Trade Pressure
Russian President Vladimir Putin: India’s energy diplomacy is once again under the global spotlight as India–Russia oil trade pressure sharpens following the Trump administration’s decision to raise punitive tariffs related to Moscow-linked crude imports. Of the steep 50% tariffs now imposed on Indian goods, U.S. officials say 25% are penal duties directly linked to India’s crude oil purchases from Russia—a move Washington argues is necessary to curb Moscow’s war financing in Ukraine.
The Biden-era framework of diplomatic nudges has morphed into Trump-era assertiveness. What began as quiet persuasion has escalated into a public confrontation, complicating the already-fragile trade deal negotiations between New Delhi and Washington. Senior U.S. officials allege that India’s continued procurement of Russian crude “indirectly funds the Russian war machine,” a claim India has repeatedly dismissed as geopolitical overreach.
Putin: Sanctions Bite, Refiners Scramble
The latest round of U.S. sanctions on Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil has forced Indian refiners to adjust their sourcing strategies. While procurement of non-sanctioned Russian crude continues, oil companies have been navigating thinner channels and higher compliance risks.
Officials familiar with the matter say that the sanctions have not stopped Russian oil from flowing to India—but they have made the supply chain “costlier, longer, and legally sensitive.” Alternative suppliers from the Middle East and Africa are stepping in, but their cargoes come at a premium.
Putin’s Message to Trump—Through Delhi?
During a joint media appearance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered what many analysts interpreted as an indirect message to Washington.
“Russia is a reliable supply of oil, gas, coal and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy,” Putin declared. “We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments for India’s fast-growing economy.”
He hailed the “successful partnership in energy” between the two nations, reinforcing Moscow’s long-held position as one of India’s most dependable energy partners.
Russia’s Energy Powerhouse Status
Putin’s remarks were backed by hard numbers. In early 2024, Russia held firm as the world’s third-largest oil producer, pumping 10.8 million barrels per day and holding 80 billion barrels of confirmed reserves.
It also commands the world’s largest natural gas reserves—1,600 trillion cubic metres—with 618 billion cubic metres produced in 2022. More than 60% of Russia’s electricity comes from thermal power facilities, underscoring the dominance of fossil fuels in its energy ecosystem.