Most of the countries of the world are facing global energy crisis amid the ongoing war between America, Israel and Iran. Meanwhile, a Russian oil tanker going to China suddenly changed its route from the South China Sea and headed towards India. This has happened when India has increased the purchase of Russian crude amid the war and many tankers which were going to Chinese ports have now turned to India.

The change in the route of the Russian oil tanker is also considered important because recently America had given India permission to increase the purchase of Russian crude oil, so that the energy crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the war between Iran and America-Israel could be countered. Let us tell you that more than 20 percent of the world’s oil and LPG is supplied through the Strait of Hormuz.

Mangalore will reach on 21st March

Quoting news agency IANS reports, Aframax tanker Aqua Titan, loaded with crude oil, is scheduled to reach New Mangalore on March 21, which will contain crude oil from the Urals. The ship was initially destined for Rizhao, China, after loading oil from a Baltic Sea port in late January. However, according to reports, suddenly changing course in mid-March, the ship turned into the South China Sea and started heading towards India.

India increased purchase of crude oil from Russia

This development has come to light at a time when America is encouraging all the countries of the world to buy Russian crude oil. In such a situation, Indian refining companies have increased the purchase of crude oil and have purchased about 30 million barrels of Russian crude oil in just one week. This surge in purchases has been recorded with the aim of alleviating supply concerns following disruptions in oil supplies in the Middle East due to the conflict related to Iran.

7 ships changed route

This change is not limited to just one tanker. Data from analytics firm Vortexa shows that at least seven ships carrying Russian oil have diverted from China to India in recent weeks. According to reports, all major Indian refiners are once again buying Russian crude, making it seem that India is regaining its position as a major buyer for Moscow.

Many countries started buying oil from Russia again

Another tanker, Suezmax Juju N, is also headed towards India’s Sikka port and is expected to arrive on March 25. This ship is carrying CPC blend crude oil from Kazakhstan. Earlier, it had left from Novorossiysk located in the Black Sea region of Russia and was initially going to Rzhao, but in the beginning of March it changed its route. Meanwhile, due to the relaxation of sanctions, other countries including Japan and South Korea have also resumed purchasing Russian oil. Analysts say that this new demand from many buyers may lead to a rise in global oil prices in the coming weeks.

India has joined the US-led strategic alliance ‘Pax Silica’ on Friday (20 February 2026). During this, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore gave a statement regarding trade deal and Russian oil. He claimed that India is trying to diversify its oil purchases. He said that America’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India.

India-US trade deal will be signed soon: Gore

Sergio Gore said, ‘India-America trade deal is likely to be signed soon. We are taking the relations between the two countries to the next level. Referring to India-US trade deal, Pax Silica, defense relations, he said, ‘Both the countries have immense opportunities to work together. Both sides resolved long standing differences. This deal is not just about tariffs and trade, but about a commitment between two democratic countries to develop together rather than trade.

India looking for options for oil: Sergio Gore

In an interview to Reuters during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Sergio Gore said, ‘India is working to diversify its options for purchasing oil. They are in talks to buy oil from Venezuela. In an interview given to news agency ANI, he said, ‘An agreement has been reached on the oil issue. India has diversified in the oil sector. This is not India’s issue. America does not want anyone to buy Russian oil. The President has been clear about this, he wants to end this war (Russia-Ukraine) so that peace can be established.

Russia bluntly on Trump’s claim

US President Donald Trump recently claimed that India has agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia. Although India has not officially given any such statement. Russia has made it clear that it has not received any information in this regard from New Delhi. India has repeatedly said that it will continue to buy cheap oil keeping in mind the interests of its people. However, India has said that it will consider increasing imports from Venezuela including oil.