Russia Eyes Joint Energy Projects with India, says Lavrov

• Russia and India report strong energy cooperation, with plans for joint projects
• Moscow diverts oil exports to India and China amid Western sanctions
• Trilateral talks between Russia, India, and China are expected to strengthen energy ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted the benefits of energy cooperation between Russia and India while meeting with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, recently in Moscow. Lavrov noted Moscow's interest in pursuing joint energy projects with New Delhi and noted the strength of the developmental bilateral strategic partnership.

"We have good results in cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector, in the supply of Russian oil to the Indian market. And we have a mutual interest in implementing joint projects for the extraction of energy resources, including in the Russian Federation - in the Far East and on the Arctic shelf", he added.

The discussions follow U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement earlier this month of raised tariffs on imports from India, which were linked to India's purchase of Russian oil. Since the West imposed sanctions over the Russian conflict in Ukraine, Moscow effectively redirected its oil exports, which are a critical revenue source, away from Europe to the major Asian buyers, China and India dominantly.

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India, along with China, has become one of the world's largest purchasers of Russian oil. Russian government officials in New Delhi confirmed that oil supplies to India will continue regardless of U.S. calls to stop them.

Lavrov also stated that he expects to have trilateral talks with Russia, India, and China soon to enhance further bilateral energy cooperation and to develop stable supply channels. These talks will emphasize further the continued strategic and economic cooperation between both nations, where they are continuing to work together in energy partnerships.

This level of engagement is maintained with both countries having interest to strengthen their relationship, work through geopolitical pressures, and expand mutually beneficial opportunities for energy cooperation.