Trump's Iran War Pushes India Back To Russia For LNG Trade, First Time Since Ukraine Conflict

• India and Russia prepare to restart direct LNG sales, first time since Ukraine war, amid deepening energy ties.
• Negotiations began after a March 19 meeting in Delhi between Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin and India’s Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
• India reduced Russian crude purchases in January but strengthened cooperation within two months due to rising global prices and Strait of Hormuz closure.
• The two sides also agreed to increase crude oil supplies, potentially reaching 40% of India’s total imports.
• India seeks US sanctions waiver for Russian LNG, while exploring other energy sources and continuing LPG imports not under sanctions.