Oil, LNG supplies: Top Russian official Manturov signals fuel support for India during Middle East crisis

Russia on Friday highlighted its deepening energy partnership with India, saying that Moscow can ramp up energy supplies to the Indian market amid the ongoing energy crisis triggered by Middle East war. During his visit to India, Russia’s first deputy chairman Denis Manturov said that Moscow’s companies are capable to enhance supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the country. According to a statement issued by the Russian Embassy in India, Manturov highlighted that Russia had boosted supplies of in-demand mineral fertilisers to India by 40% by the end of 2025, and expressed readiness to continue meeting India’s requirements.He noted that a joint project for urea (carbamide) production is currently under development, enhancing long-term agricultural cooperation. The two sides also reaffirmed ongoing collaboration in nuclear energy, with work progressing as per agreed timelines on new power units for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.“Denis Manturov confirmed that Russian companies have the capacity to steadily increase supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas to the Indian market. Russia and India continue to strengthen their partnership in nuclear energy. In line with agreed schedules, the project to construct power units for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is being implemented,” the statement read, as cited by ANI.Beyond energy and fertilisers, the talks also covered expanding cooperation in industrial sectors, space, education, and innovation, advancing the multifaceted strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi.Manturov, who also serves as Co-Chair of the India-Russia inter-governmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), also held a high-level bilateral meeting with external affairs minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday.According to a release by the ministry of external Affairs, the discussions focused on expanding strategic partnerships in trade, industry, energy, fertilisers, connectivity, technology, and critical minerals, while also reviewing progress on outcomes from the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held in December 2025.During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East.“Both sides held wide-ranging discussions focusing on trade, industry, energy, fertilizers, connectivity and mobility in addition to new opportunities in technology, innovation and critical minerals. The two sides also reviewed the progress on the implementation of the various outcomes of the 23rd India Russia Annual Summit held in December last year. The co-Chairs also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the conflict in West Asia,” the release read.Manturov’s visit, which spanned April 2 to April 3, also included engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, minister of finance Nirmala Sitharaman, national security adviser Ajit Doval, and other senior officials.The visit highlighted the shared intent of both nations to deepen economic ties and enhance strategic collaboration across key areas of mutual interest.