Russia Pledges Continued Energy and Fertiliser Support to India

Russia has assured India that it will continue supplying energy and fertilisers despite market and supply-chain disruptions linked to the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

The assurance came during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Putin said Russia was working to meet the requirements of Indian farmers and the agricultural sector and was prepared to continue and increase fertiliser supplies. The discussions also covered energy cooperation, trade and other areas of the long-standing India-Russia partnership.

The development is significant for India as the West Asia crisis has created uncertainty around shipping routes and energy supplies. The Gulf region is an important source of crude oil, natural gas and fertiliser-related imports for India, while disruptions to maritime movement have raised concerns about supply security and transportation costs. Indian refiners and fuel markets are also navigating broader global disruptions affecting crude availability.

Energy and fertiliser security were therefore central to the discussions in Moscow. India relies heavily on imports to meet its energy needs, while fertiliser availability remains critical for the country's agricultural sector. The Indian government has previously said that it has taken steps to maintain adequate fertiliser availability despite disruptions arising from the West Asia situation.

Jaishankar's visit also focused on expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. According to reports from the India-Russia intergovernmental commission meeting, bilateral trade has risen sharply over the past five years, from around $13 billion in 2021-22 to nearly $60 billion in 2025-26. However, India has also highlighted the growing trade imbalance, making improved market access, payment mechanisms and broader business engagement important priorities.

The talks come ahead of expected meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin at upcoming international summits, including the SCO gathering and the BRICS Summit scheduled in New Delhi. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions, Russia's assurance underscores the importance of stable energy and agricultural supply chains in the broader India-Russia economic relationship.