Reuters: Trump-Iran war is pushing India to rekindle its long-standing friendly ties with Russia
Not long ago, India significantly cut its purchases of Russian oil, a move many interpreted as a difficult concession to Trump.
But just two months later, New Delhi and Moscow are deepening their energy cooperation.
According to two sources, the two sides have agreed to resume direct deliveries of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) — the first since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
If India decides to proceed with this deal, which may violate Western sanctions, negotiations could be completed within weeks.
Sources said that during a meeting in New Delhi on March 19 between Russian Deputy Energy Minister Sorokin and Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Prithviraj Chavan, both sides reached a "verbal consensus" on LNG talks.
Three informed sources stated that the two sides also agreed to further expand crude oil supplies to India:
The volume could double compared to January, with monthly imports accounting for at least 40% of India’s total crude oil imports.
One source said India has already notified its domestic energy importers about preparing to resume purchasing Russian LNG.
At the same time, New Delhi has submitted an application to Washington seeking exemption from related sanctions.
Reuters noted that in the current tense situation in the Persian Gulf, Russia holds a strategic advantage.
According to sources, any new LNG contract is likely to be less favorable than the 20-year agreement signed in 2012 between India's state-owned GAIL and Gazprom, as "it is now a seller's market."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860822737885248/
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