Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday confirmed that crude oil supplies from Russia to India have increased despite Western sanctions and mounting geopolitical pressure, as reported by ANI. Speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov highlighted that the rise in Russian oil exports to India is reflected in publicly available data.
Lavrov's Remarks on Oil Supplies
During a media briefing, Lavrov stated, 'We published this data in the global media... This information shows that oil supplies to India increased, and it does not depend on us, but on our Indian counterparts.' India has continued importing discounted Russian crude since Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow, maintaining that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national interest and the need to secure affordable supplies for the domestic economy.
Russia has emerged as one of India's largest crude oil suppliers in recent years, as trade flows shifted following the Ukraine conflict and sanctions imposed by Western nations. This development underscores the deepening energy partnership between the two countries.
Lavrov Criticizes US Energy Strategy
Lavrov also criticized the United States over its global energy strategy, alleging that Washington was attempting to dominate global energy supply chains while targeting major Russian energy firms. He claimed the US was trying to squeeze Russian companies such as Lukoil and Rosneft out of global markets. 'The United States has adopted doctrinal documents proclaiming that it must dominate global energy markets,' Lavrov said, according to remarks also cited by Al Jazeera.
BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi
Lavrov is attending the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi from May 14-15, alongside foreign ministers from member nations, including Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The meeting comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and continued disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route.
India has so far maintained a calibrated diplomatic position amid evolving tensions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Russia, and the United States, while continuing to prioritize energy security and strategic autonomy. This approach reflects India's commitment to balancing its international relationships with its domestic energy needs.
