India Eyes Russian LNG Imports Amid Iran War, Seeks US Sanctions Waiver
REUTERS
New Delhi, March 27 (Reuters): India is considering restarting imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia for the first time since the Ukraine conflict, as it navigates a deepening energy crisis triggered by the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. According to a Reuters report, New Delhi has approached Washington for a sanctions waiver to facilitate potential energy deals with Moscow.
India had curtailed LNG imports from Russia in 2022 following Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine war. However, the current geopolitical crisis — particularly disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — has forced a reassessment of energy strategies.
Nearly half of India’s oil and gas imports originate from the Gulf region, making the country highly vulnerable to supply disruptions in West Asia.
Officials familiar with the matter told Reuters that India has asked domestic importers to prepare for potential LNG purchases from Russia. The move follows a March 19 meeting in New Delhi between Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin and India’s Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, where both sides agreed to restart negotiations.
India has also been balancing its ties with Washington, seeking temporary sanctions relief while continuing to import discounted Russian crude. Earlier, the US administration under Donald Trump granted a short-term waiver to manage global supply pressures.
India is not alone in recalibrating its energy strategy. Countries such as China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also exploring alternative sourcing options as maritime routes remain volatile.
The conflict, which escalated after the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, has severely impacted tanker movement through the region, raising concerns over prolonged supply disruptions.
Energy Security & Market Implications
Experts warn that any sustained disruption in Hormuz could push global LNG and crude prices higher, intensifying inflationary pressures. India’s pivot toward Russian LNG reflects a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical chokepoints.
India’s move to potentially resume Russian LNG imports highlights the complex balancing act between energy security and geopolitical alignments. With uncertainty persisting in West Asia, New Delhi appears to be preparing for a prolonged disruption scenario.
Our Final Thoughts
India’s energy strategy is entering a decisive phase where pragmatism is overtaking geopolitics. The willingness to re-engage with Russian LNG, while simultaneously negotiating with the US, underscores a flexible and survival-driven approach. As global energy routes remain unstable, diversification and strategic autonomy will define India’s response in the coming months.