"India's Efforts to Secure Affordable Russian Oil Amid Tightening Sanctions" India’s state-owned refiners are expediting payments for Russian crude oil to complete transactions before expanded US sanctions take effect. These refiners now settle payments within two days instead of the usual five, aiming to secure discounted Russian oil while navigating an increasingly restricted global trade environment. The urgency stems from Washington's announcement of stricter sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry, which are set to take effect next month. Refiners are keen to ensure transactions are completed during the “wind-down” period allowed for pre-sanctioned cargoes. At least 4.4 million barrels of Russian oil are en route to Indian ports like Jamnagar, Chennai, Paradip, and Visakhapatnam. Among these shipments is the tanker Mercury , carrying over 1 million barrels of Russian Urals crude, expected to arrive in Paradip soon. This vessel loaded its cargo in mid-December ...
In recent developments, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu finds himself in the midst of a diplomatic storm, seeking support from China to navigate through challenging times in the aftermath of a diplomatic dispute with India. The crux of the matter lies in derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering a wave of cancellations of reservations by Indian tourists. Background : The diplomatic row has not only strained relations with India but has also significantly impacted the Maldivian tourism sector. The cancellation of reservations, a crucial source of revenue for the island nation, has prompted President Muizzu to explore alternative avenues for economic stability. Diplomatic Ties with China: Against this backdrop, President Muizzu, during his five-day state visit to China, seized the opportunity to reaffirm the strong and longstanding alliance between the Maldives and China. He went as far as to label China as the "closest...