Russia is ready to continue supplying India with as much crude oil as the country needs, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said on Friday, while criticising Western sanctions and tariffs targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil.

Speaking to ANI, Alipov described the measures as “pressure tactics” and argued that they reflect an attempt to discourage India from maintaining its energy trade with Russia. He said India has demonstrated its willingness to defend its national interests despite growing external pressure over Russian oil purchases.

Russia Reaffirms Oil Supply Commitment

Alipov said Moscow remains interested in supplying crude to India and that Russia is prepared to meet Indian demand.

“We would be ready to supply as much oil as India needs,” the ambassador said, adding that energy interests remain important for New Delhi.

He also argued that the availability of Russian crude remains significant for global energy markets and said Russia would continue supplying oil to India and other international buyers.

Envoy Criticises Western Measures

The Russian ambassador criticised secondary sanctions and tariffs aimed at countries and companies continuing to deal with Russian oil producers.

According to Alipov, such measures amount to punitive pressure rather than an effort to secure better commercial alternatives for India. He questioned why countries seeking to restrict Russian oil trade could not offer India a more competitive supply arrangement.

His comments come amid continuing disagreements between India and Western countries over New Delhi's purchase of Russian crude.

India Balances Energy Security

India has repeatedly maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national interests, availability and affordability.

The issue has become particularly important as international oil markets face renewed volatility because of geopolitical tensions in West Asia. India's crude basket reached $99.35 per barrel on September 2, according to a recent report, increasing pressure on the country's oil import costs. 

India imports a large share of its crude oil requirements, making the availability of competitively priced supplies an important consideration for refiners and policymakers.

Russian Oil Remains Important to Trade

Russian crude became a major component of India's oil imports following the disruption of global energy markets after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions.

The increase in purchases was driven partly by the availability of Russian crude at competitive prices. India has continued to engage with Russia while also maintaining energy relationships with suppliers in the Middle East, the United States and other markets.

Recent developments have also included improvements in India-Russia payment mechanisms. Reuters reported that Russia and India have developed payment infrastructure using the rupee and rouble, with the system facilitating a large share of bilateral trade. 

Global Oil Market Faces Fresh Risks

The debate over Russian oil comes at a time when global energy markets are already facing supply concerns.

Renewed military tensions in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to volatility in crude prices. Reuters reported that Brent crude recently moved above $95 per barrel as investors assessed geopolitical risks and potential supply disruptions. 

For India, sustained increases in crude prices could affect the import bill and broader inflationary pressures.

India-Russia Energy Ties Continue

Alipov's comments underline Moscow's intention to preserve its position as a major energy supplier to India despite Western restrictions.

The Russian envoy also pointed to India's independent foreign-policy approach, arguing that New Delhi has continued to prioritise its national interests in making energy decisions.

India, meanwhile, faces the challenge of maintaining energy security while navigating sanctions-related risks and its wider relationships with Russia, the United States, Europe and other major economic partners.

For now, Russia's assurance that it can continue supplying India comes as global energy markets remain uncertain and the debate over the future of Russian crude in international trade continues.

 US President Donald Trump has signalled a tougher but potentially less direct approach towards Iran, as Washington seeks to maintain pressure on Tehran while reducing the risk of prolonged American military involvement in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz has become the centre of the latest US-Iran standoff, with Trump repeatedly claiming that the United States has control over the strategic waterway. On August 18, Trump went further by sharing an image on social media depicting the Strait as “NEW U.S. Territory”. Iran rejected the claim and warned that Tehran would continue to challenge Washington's position. (Moneycontrol)

Trump’s Two-Track Approach

Trump has previously described a two-stage approach to resolving the crisis, with reopening the Strait of Hormuz as the immediate priority and negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme forming a second phase.

However, the diplomatic track now appears uncertain. Trump said on August 18 that there were no talks taking place with Iran and that no negotiations were currently scheduled. The statement came amid conflicting signals from Washington about the status of possible back-channel contacts with Tehran. (Reuters)

The latest position suggests that the administration is seeking to keep economic, maritime and political pressure on Iran while avoiding a major expansion of direct US military operations.

Hormuz Becomes Key Flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most important energy corridors. Any sustained disruption to shipping through the waterway can have a direct impact on crude oil supplies and international energy markets.

Trump has repeatedly asserted that the United States has control over the strait. On August 12, he said the US had “total control” of the waterway even as vessel traffic had fallen sharply amid the conflict and stalled diplomatic efforts. (Al Jazeera)

Iran, meanwhile, has maintained that the waterway cannot be fully reopened without concessions from Washington.

Iran Rejects US Claims

Iranian officials have strongly rejected Trump's claims regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi criticised Trump's latest position, saying that his claims about the waterway would be “corrected”. Iranian security officials have also questioned Washington's ability to exercise the level of control claimed by the US president. (India Gazette)

Iran's position has added another obstacle to efforts to restore normal shipping through the strait.

Shipping Traffic Remains Under Pressure

Despite Trump's assertion that the waterway is open and operating, uncertainty among shipping companies remains high. Preliminary shipping data indicated that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed as shipowners continued to avoid the route because of uncertainty over its security and reopening. (mint)

The disruption is also being reflected in global energy markets. Oil prices rose for a fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, with Brent crude trading above $91 a barrel as investors assessed the risk to exports through the waterway. (Reuters)

Diplomatic Breakthrough Uncertain

The latest developments indicate that the immediate focus remains on securing maritime traffic rather than announcing a fresh diplomatic agreement.

Iran has demanded concessions from Washington, including the lifting of restrictions affecting Iranian ports and oil exports and the release of frozen assets. Tehran has also rejected the US position on the future management of the Strait.

At the same time, Washington faces pressure to prevent the Hormuz crisis from developing into a wider regional confrontation while ensuring that Iran does not regain the ability to use the waterway as strategic leverage.

Global Energy Markets Watch

The standoff has implications well beyond the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, meaning prolonged uncertainty could keep crude prices elevated and increase transportation and insurance costs.

For the Trump administration, the challenge will be to maintain pressure on Tehran without triggering a broader military confrontation. For Iran, control over access to the waterway remains an important source of strategic leverage.

The coming days are likely to determine whether Washington and Tehran return to negotiations or remain locked in a confrontation centred on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme.

The United States has enough naval resources to maintain its blockade of Iran indefinitely, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, signalling that Washington is prepared to continue military and economic pressure on Tehran as efforts to end the war remain stalled.

Hegseth said the US Navy could sustain the operation by rotating ships in and out of the region as required, suggesting that Washington does not currently face an immediate shortage of naval assets for the blockade.

“Indefinitely the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we’ll rotate ships in and out,” Hegseth told reporters in Panama.

Hegseth Defends Blockade

Hegseth made the remarks after speaking with the crew of the USS Gridley, a guided-missile destroyer that had previously operated in the Middle East.

His comments underline the administration's intention to maintain pressure on Iran while negotiations aimed at ending the conflict remain unresolved.

The blockade has become a central component of the US strategy against Tehran, particularly because of the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global energy markets.

Trump Claims Hormuz Control

Hegseth's remarks came a day after President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had complete control over the strategically important waterway.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the US naval blockade had become a “wall of steel” and asserted that Iran had little ability to challenge the American presence.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy transit routes. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the waterway.

Conflict Disrupts Energy Routes

The war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, according to the account provided by US officials and the source material.

Iran subsequently moved to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz, severely disrupting commercial shipping and energy flows.

The United States then established a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping and ports while maintaining that it would protect freedom of navigation for vessels travelling to and from non-Iranian ports.

Washington has deployed tens of thousands of military personnel to the wider Middle East since the conflict began, including more than 20 warships.

Commercial Ships Intercepted

The US military has said it has redirected more than 55 commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade.

According to US officials, three vessels have been disabled and two others boarded since the blockade began.

The confrontation has also involved direct military action against individual ships.

Earlier this week, a US Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine room of a Panama-flagged vessel after the ship allegedly ignored warnings from US forces, according to the US military.

Iran Continues Retaliation

Despite months of US military strikes against Iranian targets, Tehran has continued to challenge Washington's efforts to control the strategic waterway.

US strikes have targeted Iranian leadership and damaged significant parts of the country's military infrastructure, including elements of its navy.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against US allies in the region and has also targeted commercial vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian permission.

The continuing confrontation has kept maritime security and energy supplies under pressure.

Pressure Mounts on Trump

The prolonged conflict is also creating political pressure on the Trump administration.

Trump has alternated between warnings of further escalation and statements suggesting that a potential peace agreement could be reached.

At the same time, the administration has so far avoided some of the most escalatory measures, including deploying large numbers of ground troops or carrying out attacks on strategic islands and desalination infrastructure.

Trump is facing pressure to bring the conflict to an end ahead of the November midterm elections, while elevated fuel prices have emerged as a major concern, particularly among voters in rural areas that have traditionally supported him.

For now, Hegseth's comments indicate that Washington is prepared to sustain the naval blockade for as long as necessary, even as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain uncertain.

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that the strategic waterway remains blocked and will not be reopened until Tehran’s conditions are met.

The latest exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over the strategically important maritime passage, through which a significant share of global oil and petroleum trade traditionally moves.

Iran Says Blockade Continues

In a statement posted on X, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority dismissed claims by Trump and other US officials that the Strait of Hormuz was no longer blocked.

The authority said that statements from American officials had not changed the situation on the ground and reiterated that the waterway would remain closed until Iran’s demands were accepted.

The Iranian position was reiterated hours after Trump claimed that Washington had established “total control” over the Strait and intended to maintain it.

Trump Claims ‘Wall of Steel’

Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the United States had “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz.

He described the US naval presence in the region as a “wall of steel”, asserting that Iran had no ability to challenge the American deployment.

Trump also repeated his claim that Iran’s military infrastructure had been severely weakened during the ongoing confrontation.

The US president further accused Iran of spreading what he described as false information and criticised the country’s economic situation.

Tehran Sets Conditions

Iran’s latest response comes as Tehran continues to link the reopening of the Strait to broader political and security demands.

Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran would not fully reopen the waterway until the United States met what Iran described as its conditions.

According to Rezaei, Iran wants Washington to end the war and blockade, release frozen Iranian assets and agree to a region-wide ceasefire covering Lebanon and Gaza.

He said the Strait would remain closed until all the conditions were fulfilled.

US Naval Presence Increases

The dispute has intensified as the United States has expanded its naval presence around the Gulf.

Washington has maintained that ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategically important waterway remains a key security objective.

Iran, meanwhile, has repeatedly warned that maritime traffic could be restricted if pressure from the United States and other external powers continues.

The conflicting claims have created uncertainty for commercial shipping and energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major focus of international attention.

Major Energy Route

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy corridors. A substantial portion of global petroleum shipments traditionally passes through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

Any prolonged disruption could therefore have wider consequences for crude oil supplies, shipping costs and global energy prices.

The ongoing standoff has already contributed to concerns in international markets, with oil prices responding to developments surrounding the Strait and US-Iran negotiations.

No Immediate Resolution

For now, Washington and Tehran remain sharply divided over the status of the waterway.

Trump maintains that the United States has established control and intends to keep it, while Iranian authorities insist that the Strait remains blocked and that reopening it depends on Tehran’s conditions being accepted.

With diplomatic efforts yet to produce a breakthrough, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the wider US-Iran confrontation.

 US President Donald Trump convened a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday after Iran claimed responsibility for striking two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz under US military escort, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the two tankers were halted after allegedly attempting to pass through what Tehran described as an "undeclared route" under American aerial protection.

The Iranian military claimed that four additional oil tankers reversed course following the attack.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes, has witnessed severe disruptions since the outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Iran and the United States continue to dispute the designated shipping corridors through the strategic waterway. Tehran has maintained that vessels must comply with its navigation rules, while Washington has continued to escort commercial shipping through the region.

The prolonged tensions have significantly affected global energy markets, with crude oil prices rising above $90 per barrel following recent military exchanges between Washington and Tehran.

Regional Fighting Continues

Military activity continued across the region on Friday.

Kuwait's Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted Iranian drones targeting military and strategic facilities, adding that there were no reported casualties.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military carried out a large-scale explosion near the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, stating that it targeted Hezbollah tunnel networks and military infrastructure.

Lebanese officials accused Israel of violating the existing ceasefire, while Israel maintained that the operation was necessary to safeguard communities along its northern border.

Camp David Meeting Focuses on Iran Conflict

The emergency Cabinet meeting at Camp David comes as the Trump administration evaluates its next steps in the conflict, which has continued for several months despite earlier expectations of a shorter military campaign.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the retreat would provide Cabinet members an opportunity to review major national security issues, with the Iran conflict expected to dominate discussions.

Officials are also expected to assess the economic impact of the conflict, particularly rising fuel prices and broader inflationary pressures affecting American consumers.

Political Pressure Mounts

The prolonged military campaign has become an increasingly contentious issue in US domestic politics.

A recent resolution in the US Senate seeking to express disapproval of the ongoing military operation narrowly failed, reflecting growing divisions in Congress over the administration's strategy.

At the same time, higher global oil prices have boosted earnings for major energy companies, while increasing fuel costs continue to affect households and businesses.

Political analysts suggest the economic consequences of the conflict could become a key issue ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections, as voters weigh concerns over inflation, energy prices and foreign policy.

With military operations continuing across multiple fronts and diplomatic efforts showing little progress, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most closely watched flashpoints in global geopolitics.

Fresh security concerns have emerged in the Middle East after reports of attacks on three commercial oil tankers near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz during the funeral ceremonies of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The incidents have intensified concerns over maritime security, global energy supplies and regional stability at a time when millions of mourners have gathered across Iran for Khamenei's final farewell. Iranian authorities have also warned commercial vessels to strictly follow designated shipping routes, saying they cannot guarantee the safety of ships that deviate from approved maritime corridors.

According to Iranian state media, the Qatari oil tanker Al-Rakayat was among the vessels targeted in the latest incident. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two additional commercial ships came under attack near the coast of Oman. Independent verification of the attacks is still awaited, while international maritime agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.

Iran Warns Commercial Shipping

Following the reported attacks, Iranian officials expressed concern that several commercial vessels have not been adhering to designated maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Authorities stated that vessels operating outside approved navigation corridors may face increased security risks, adding that current conditions in the region remain unstable. Iran maintained that strict compliance with established shipping lanes is essential to ensure the safety of commercial traffic passing through one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

Millions Gather for Khamenei's Final Farewell

The maritime incidents coincided with the ongoing funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On Tuesday, Khamenei's body was taken to the holy city of Qom, where hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects. Roads leading to the religious city witnessed massive crowds from early morning, with security forces deployed across the funeral route.

Many mourners carried red flags, which in Shia tradition symbolize resistance against injustice and a call for justice. Khamenei's coffin was draped with the Iranian national flag, while his traditional black turban—a symbol associated with senior Shia clerics—was placed atop the casket during the religious ceremonies.

Funeral Procession Draws Massive Crowds

Government sources said millions had also participated in the funeral procession held earlier in Tehran.

The sheer size of the gathering reportedly slowed the movement of the funeral convoy at several points, forcing temporary pauses along the route. Following ceremonies in Qom, Khamenei is expected to be buried in his hometown of Mashhad after the completion of final religious rites.

Senior political leaders, religious scholars and supporters attended the ceremonies, with many participants pledging to uphold Khamenei's legacy.

Hormuz Strait Remains a Global Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically important maritime passages, handling a substantial share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Any disruption in the waterway has the potential to affect international shipping, global energy markets and oil prices. Security experts note that prolonged instability in the region could increase insurance costs for commercial shipping and disrupt supply chains across Asia, Europe and beyond.

International maritime authorities continue to monitor vessel movements while advising commercial operators to exercise heightened caution.

Political Reactions Continue

The developments have also triggered strong political reactions inside and outside Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country would continue to follow the path laid down by Khamenei and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to national unity during the funeral ceremonies.

Iran's Army Chief Amir Hatami stated that those responsible for actions against Iran would be held accountable.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, argued that the crowds attending the funeral did not necessarily represent the views of all Iranians.

Meanwhile, prominent Iraqi Shia leader Ammar al-Hakim urged supporters to participate in large numbers in the funeral events, describing the occasion as significant for the wider Shia community.

Regional Tensions Under Global Watch

With large-scale funeral ceremonies unfolding alongside renewed maritime security incidents, geopolitical tensions across the Middle East remain elevated.

The reported tanker attacks have once again highlighted the vulnerability of one of the world's most critical energy corridors. Governments, naval forces and international shipping agencies are expected to closely monitor developments in the coming days as concerns over regional security and global energy stability continue to grow.

Putin’s Beijing visit holds more strategic weight than Trump’s ‘performative’ trip, state media claims

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in China this week for a high-stakes bilateral summit with Xi Jinping, a development Chinese state media is already characterizing as far more substantive than US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the country.

Strategic balancing act in Beijing

The Kremlin and Beijing have both confirmed that the Russian President will be in the Chinese capital between May 19 and 20. The visit, which marks Putin’s first foreign trip of the year, comes on the heels of Trump’s departure from China, pointing to a deliberate effort by Beijing to manage its ties with the world's two largest nuclear powers simultaneously.

While the American president's stopover was heavy on ceremony, local commentators and regional outlets like the South China Morning Post indicate that the upcoming Sino-Russian dialogue will tackle core geopolitical frictions. Local authorities have scaled up security protocols around the capital ahead of the arrival of the Russian delegation on Tuesday morning.

Heavy agenda on Ukraine and arms control

According to officials familiar with the scheduling, the primary focus of the closed-door meetings between Xi and Putin will revolve around the dragging conflict in Ukraine and the future of international nuclear arms control agreements. The timing is particularly notable given that Donald Trump recently proposed a tentative three-way arms framework involving Washington, Moscow, and Beijing.

Trump had previously noted that Russia’s expanding nuclear capabilities remain a shared concern for both Western nations and Asian powers. However, sources suggest Beijing is unlikely to commit to any US-led tripartite framework without securing major concessions first. Apart from the strategic dialogue, Putin is also slated to hold a separate briefing with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to review bilateral trade targets.

Sino-Russian Bilateral Trade Record

| Metric (Last Year)   | Value (USD)           |

| Total Trade Turnover | 228.1 Billion         |

| Russian Trade Surplus| 21.49 Billion         |

| Year-on-Year Surplus | +55% vs 2024          |

Deeper economic alignment amid sanctions

The economic partnership between the two neighbors has seen a massive surge since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, primarily driven by Western sanctions that forced Moscow to pivot its trade entirely toward Asia. Initial reports indicate that trade turnover between the two nations hit a record $228.1 billion last year, with Russia locking in a comfortable surplus.

China has steadily increased its imports of discounted Russian crude, coal, and liquefied natural gas. In return, consumer markets in Moscow and St. Petersburg have been flooded with Chinese automotives, heavy machinery, and semiconductors, effectively replacing Western brands. This economic lifeline continues to draw heavy criticism from Washington, which accuses Beijing of indirectly fueling Russia's military economy.

Power of Siberia pipeline on the table

Diplomatic sources say a crucial talking point during the May 19 session will be the long-delayed Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline project. Russia has been pushing hard to finalize the technicalities of this massive infrastructure asset, which is designed to channel 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from the Yamal Peninsula to northern China via Mongolia.

"The pipeline remains a critical long-term priority for Moscow as it seeks permanent alternatives to its lost European markets," a regional energy analyst noted. "If finalized, it could fulfill the energy needs of nearly 200 million Chinese households."

Mideast tensions provide economic cushion

The summit unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has threatened trade flows through the vital Strait of Hormuz. While the threat of a wider maritime blockade has raised fears of a global recession, the subsequent spike in international oil prices has provided a temporary fiscal cushion for the Kremlin.

The two leaders have met more than 40 times since Xi assumed office in 2013, establishing what both describe as a "no-limits" partnership aimed at pushing back against a US-dominated unipolar global structure. Following the conclusion of the Beijing meetings, the joint delegation is expected to release a statement on a "multipolar world order" before Putin departs mid-week.