India has purchased around 2 million barrels of crude oil from Angola, signaling a shift in sourcing as the country reduces imports of Russian oil amid mounting pressure from the European Union and the United States, as reported by Reuters. The cargo is scheduled for delivery in March and was bought by Indian Oil Corporation, the country’s largest refiner.
The Angolan purchase forms part of a broader diversification strategy, with Indian refiners also sourcing crude from Brazil and the United Arab Emirates to replace discounted Russian supplies. Business insider Africa said the move reflects tightening Western sanctions and growing scrutiny of Russia-linked energy trade, prompting refiners to rebalance their crude intake.
India’s imports of Russian oil have fallen to their lowest levels in years, reversing a surge seen after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Analysts say New Delhi is seeking to maintain energy security while aligning more closely with Western partners on trade and geopolitical priorities.
The shift is also seen as a boost for African oil exporters, particularly Angola, as Asian buyers look to diversify supply chains. Market watchers note that Africa could play a larger role in India’s crude mix as global energy flows continue to realign under geopolitical pressures.
