Russia Strengthens Energy Ties, Promises More Oil and Gas to India

Russia has pledged to increase its oil and gas exports to India, signaling a deepening of energy ties amid heightened tensions in West Asia. The announcement came during a two-day visit to New Delhi by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

According to a Russian readout, Manturov confirmed that Russian companies have the capacity to steadily increase supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the Indian market. The visit also covered cooperation in mineral fertilizers, with Russia having already increased supplies by 40% by the end of 2025, and ongoing joint projects for carbamide production. Nuclear energy collaboration was another key area, including the construction of power units at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strategic nature of the discussions in a post on X, saying, “Pleased to meet Russia’s First Deputy PM Denis Manturov. We discussed our mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, fertilizers, connectivity and people-to-people ties. Welcomed the sustained efforts from both sides to implement the outcomes of the 23rd India-Russian Annual Summit held during President Putin’s visit to India last December.”

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Statistics show that India’s oil imports from Russia surged 45% in March 2026, rising from 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in February to 1.5 million bpd in March. Currently, India imports minimal natural gas from Russia, making the pledge to expand gas exports particularly significant. If India opts for Russian gas, it could reduce reliance on Gulf suppliers such as Qatar, which currently supplies roughly 40–50% of the country’s natural gas needs.

In parallel to Manturov’s visit, a high-level Russian delegation led by Parliamentary Leader Vladimir Yakushev met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Birla emphasized that India-Russia parliamentary ties are poised to deepen through “renewed dialogue and cooperation,” underscoring the broader diplomatic and strategic engagement between the two countries.

Analysts view the developments as part of a broader effort to diversify India’s energy sources amid geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia, while strengthening long-term strategic and economic cooperation with Russia across multiple sectors.

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