Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak did not mince words on Wednesday. Asked whether Russia was planning to send more oil to India and China given the growing chaos in the Middle East, his answer was short and straightforward, “Always ready.” He added that Russian oil is in demand, and if buyers come, sellers will sell. Simple as that.
What Is Actually Happening In The Strait Of Hormuz
To understand why this matters, you need to know what is going on in the Strait of Hormuz right now. This is a narrow stretch of water between Iran and Oman, and roughly a third of the world’s seaborne oil passes through it every single day. It is, in plain terms, one of the most important waterways on the planet.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps this week declared that it has full control over the strait. A senior Guards Navy official told Iranian state media that any vessel trying to pass through could face serious risks, including missiles and stray drones. That is not the kind of statement that oil markets, or oil-importing countries, can simply ignore.
On the other side, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the American Navy is ready to escort oil tankers through the corridor, making clear that Washington has no intention of letting Iran shut down one of the world’s main energy arteries.
So right now you have Iran on one side saying it controls the water, and the US on the other saying it will keep ships moving. The tension sitting in between those two positions is exactly what has energy markets on edge.
Why India Is Paying Close Attention
For India, this is not just geopolitics, it is a supply problem that hits close to home. Roughly 2.5 to 2.7 million barrels of crude oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz and into India every single day. That oil comes primarily from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. With military strikes already disrupting cargo movement in the region, Indian refiners have started looking around for alternatives. They cannot afford to wait and see how things unfold.
Russia Is Already India’s Biggest Oil Supplier
Here is the context that makes Novak’s statement particularly relevant. Russia is already the single largest supplier of crude oil to India. In February, Russian imports came in at just over one million barrels per day, holding on to the top spot even as Saudi Arabia made a serious push. Saudi volumes jumped by nearly 30 percent compared to the previous month, crossing one million barrels per day as well, the closest the gap has been in a while. But Russia still held its ground at the top. The numbers come from data firm Kpler, which tracks global energy shipments.
What This Means Going Forward
Russia’s offer essentially positions it as a ready alternative if Middle East supply lines get seriously disrupted. For India, which imports enormous volumes through a route that is currently being contested by two military powers, having a supplier outside that corridor becomes increasingly valuable. Whether Indian refiners ramp up Russian purchases in the coming weeks will depend on how the situation in the Strait of Hormuz develops, but the option is clearly on the table, and both sides know it.
