India has decided not to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project, which has faced sanctions from Western countries. The project, owned by Russia’s Novatek, aimed to produce a significant amount of LNG for Asian markets. This decision aligns with India’s stance of not buying sanctioned commodities.
Despite this, India has deep economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow, evidenced by record-high bilateral trade. India surpassed China as the largest importer of Russian oil in July. However, India has also been strengthening its relationship with Ukraine, as seen through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kyiv.
Modi’s visit came shortly after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where a controversial hug was shared. The visit to Ukraine focused on discussions around trade, economic cooperation, defense, and post-war reconstruction efforts. This shift in India’s international relationships reflects a complex diplomatic landscape in the region.
Overall, India’s strategic choices in its energy procurement and international partnerships highlight its balancing act between global players.
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