Home / Business and Economy / Russian Oil Tankers Linger Off India's Coast Amid US-EU Pressure
Russian Oil Tankers Linger Off India's Coast Amid US-EU Pressure
1 Aug
Summary
- Four Russian oil tankers waiting off India's western coast
- India's Russian oil imports under scrutiny from US and EU
- Tankers sanctioned by EU and UK, destinations may change
On August 1, 2025, India's growing reliance on Russian oil imports has come under intense scrutiny from the United States and European Union. At least four oil tankers laden with Russian crude are currently waiting off the country's western coast, as the Asian nation's purchases of the commodity continue to make headlines.
The tankers, Achilles and Elyte, are currently anchored near Jamnagar, according to ship-tracking data. Both vessels were scheduled to discharge their cargoes at Sikka port on August 2 and 3, after picking up the oil in late June from Primorsk and Ust Luga, where Russia's flagship Urals crude is typically loaded. However, the destinations of these tankers may change, as both Achilles and Elyte have been sanctioned by the EU and UK.
India's reliance on Russian oil has increased significantly in recent weeks, with more than a third of its imports now coming from Russia. This has prompted a fresh round of EU sanctions in mid-July and threats of hefty import tariffs and unspecified penalties from the Trump administration. In response, New Delhi has asked its refiners to devise and share plans on sourcing crude from alternative suppliers.
Two other tankers, Destan and Horae, are also idling off the coast with Urals crude after picking up their cargoes between June 24 and July 1. Destan, which is sanctioned by the EU and UK, is expected to reach Sikka in the coming days, while the destination of the unsanctioned Horae remains unclear.
