Kremlin's energy leverage crumbles: Putin rushes to India as oil lifeline dries up
global.espreso.tv
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:26:00 +0200

The author of the Resurgam Telegram channel discussed the issue.In a move sending shockwaves through the global energy market, five of India's largest oil refineries have reportedly placed no orders for Russian crude for the upcoming month, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.The refiners, including giants like Reliance Industries Ltd. and Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd., account for roughly two-thirds of India's total imports of Russian oil. This sudden halt threatens a critical revenue stream for the Kremlin, prompting an immediate and urgent diplomatic response.The Kremlin has confirmed it is actively preparing for Putin's first visit to India since 2021 for an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Analysts indicate the sole purpose of the trip is to salvage the collapsing oil sales and prevent a long-term freeze-out.The "Indian syndrome," as some are calling it, comes at a devastating time for Russia's budget. Even before this potential cutoff, Reuters calculations projected that Moscow's revenues from its primary mineral extraction tax would plummet by 34% in November. Official data for the first ten months of 2025 already shows budget revenues from oil sales are trailing the previous year by trillions of rubles, a deficit that would become a chasm if Indian sales are not restored.As Putin prepares his proposals for New Delhi, Washington appears to be building a barrier to block him. In a move seen as a direct counter-signal, U.S. officials have indicated that India could be rewarded with more favorable trade conditions, including potential tariff reductions, if it continues to reduce its purchases of Russian oil.This U.S. maneuver is interpreted as a clear strategy to incentivize India to hold the line and reject any new offers from Putin. The accelerated preparations for the Russian president's visit are being widely viewed as a demonstration of the Kremlin's weakness and the growing effectiveness of sustained economic pressure on its energy sector. The outcome of the impending summit will now likely depend on whether Washington's incentives are more attractive than the deal Putin is desperately flying in to offer.








