India has reportedly declined offers from Russia to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes that are subject to US sanctions, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision comes as global energy markets face uncertainty due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, but India has chosen to avoid potential legal and financial risks associated with sanctioned energy supplies.
At least one Russian LNG cargo was offered to Indian buyers but was turned down, sources said. The US sanctions, imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, target certain Russian energy exports, including LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 project. India, a major energy importer, has been balancing its energy needs with geopolitical pressures.
India's state-owned gas companies, including GAIL and Petronet LNG, have not commented on the reports. The country has been diversifying its LNG sources, increasing imports from the US, Qatar, and Australia to reduce reliance on Russian supplies.
Despite the rejection, India continues to import crude oil from Russia, which is not under similar sanctions. The decision on LNG highlights India's careful navigation of sanctions while securing energy for its growing economy.
