Col (Dr) Shantonu Roy
Abstract
The strategic and geopolitical cooperation between India and Russia has undergone drastic changes in the present scenario of the Russia-Ukraine war. India’s energy cooperation with Russia — particularly its increased purchases of discounted Russian crude oil following Western sanctions — has drawn both criticism and pragmatic justification.
The Energy Dimension
India’s purchase of Russian crude oil surged dramatically following the Western sanctions regime imposed after February 2022. India became one of Russia’s largest oil customers, importing at prices significantly below international benchmarks, representing a windfall for India’s energy security and current account.
Strategic Rationale
India’s continued engagement with Russia reflects several strategic imperatives: the deep historical defence relationship, the need for continued access to Russian military equipment and spare parts, and India’s long-standing commitment to strategic autonomy.
Conclusion
India-Russia energy cooperation demonstrates India’s capacity to maintain independent relationships with multiple great powers simultaneously — increasingly valuable as the international system moves toward multipolarity.