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14 July 2026

Government strategy on Russian oil imports

This topic addresses a critical national energy security crisis and the government's strategic policy response, which directly aligns with core GS3 infrastructure and economy syllabus requirements.

1 min read Day 2 of 10 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • India's increased reliance on Russian oil is a strategic response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026.
  • The Strait of Hormuz closure disrupted approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies, impacting 45-50% of India's crude imports.
  • In response to the supply crisis, India increased non-Hormuz crude sourcing from 55% to 70% within weeks.
  • Russian oil imports reached over 40% of India's total in May 2026 and exceeded 50% in June 2026 (approx. 2.6 million barrels per day).
  • India has diversified its crude oil sourcing from 27 countries a decade ago to over 41 countries by 2026.
  • Diplomatic outreach to Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia was utilized to secure alternative crude and LPG volumes.
  • Engagement with Venezuela represents a pre-existing bilateral channel scaled up to meet energy security demands during the crisis.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 10 in India's strategy for crude oil imports amid West Asia crisis, which has been running since 9 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Analyze the strategic imperatives behind India's diversification of crude oil import sources in the context of global maritime chokepoint vulnerabilities. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Energy security is a cornerstone of India's foreign policy. Discuss how India balances its long-term energy requirements with the geopolitical challenges posed by regional conflicts in West Asia. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the primary reason for the shift in India's crude oil import strategy in 2026?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-14/government-strategy-on-russian-oil-imports