Russia Says India’s Dip in Oil Imports Likely Short-Lived

India’s imports of Russian oil may decline only temporarily, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who said Moscow plans to increase supplies using advanced methods to counter Western sanctions. His remarks come ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, where both nations aim to strengthen defence and energy partnerships as India’s Russian oil intake is expected to fall to a three-year low.

Peskov emphasised that Russia remains India’s top oil supplier and is working to create a secure environment for buyers despite U.S. and European restrictions targeting major Russian producers. He added that Moscow has long operated under sanctions and continues to refine technologies to bypass their impact. Payment mechanisms and protection of bilateral trade from third-country pressure will be key agenda items during Putin’s talks in India.

Meanwhile, Indian refiners have responded differently to the tightening sanctions. Companies like MRPL, HPCL and HMEL have halted Russian purchases, while IOC continues sourcing from non-sanctioned suppliers and BPCL is in advanced negotiations. Nayara Energy, partly owned by Rosneft, is processing only Russian crude as other suppliers withdraw, and Reliance says it will process pre-committed Russian cargoes already en route.

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