The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has officially stated that they have no confirmed information regarding the reported diversion of Russian oil tankers originally bound for China. Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha clarified that despite reports from international ship-tracking agencies, the government cannot confirm these specific movements. Media reports had suggested that tankers like the Aqua Titan, which was headed for China’s Rizhao port, changed course toward New Mangalore Port in India following a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. This speculation arose as India seeks to stabilize its energy supply amidst the intense conflict between Iran, Israel, and the U.S.
The conflict in West Asia has severely disrupted maritime traffic, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint controlled by Iran. The Indian government confirmed that approximately 22 Indian tankers are currently stranded or facing delays in this region. Due to these blockages, Indian refineries have aggressively moved to secure energy alternatives, reportedly purchasing nearly 30 million barrels of Russian crude within a week of U.S. clearance. Data from firms like Vortexa and Kpler suggest that at least seven tankers, including the Suezmax Zouzou N, have adjusted their destinations from Chinese ports toward Indian refineries in Sikka and Mangalore to fill the supply gap left by West Asian disruptions.
Despite the government’s cautious stance, industry experts note that India is strategically pivoting back to Russian Urals to mitigate the loss of Middle Eastern oil and gas. While India had previously reduced Russian imports in November due to trade agreements with the U.S., the current “war footing” in the Gulf has forced a temporary policy shift. As countries like Japan and South Korea also resume Russian purchases, market analysts warn that the increased demand may lead to a rise in Russian crude prices. For now, the Indian government maintains that its primary focus remains the safety of its vessels and ensuring the continuous flow of energy to meet domestic demand.
