Russia assures steady oil and LNG supply to India, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Russia has assured India of a steady increase in the supply of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as continued support for India's fertilizer needs.
• Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss cooperation in trade, fertilizers, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
• Russia has increased supplies of mineral fertilizers to India by 40% and is ready to continue meeting India’s needs.
• Discussions also covered deepening nuclear cooperation, industrial cooperation, space, and educational projects.

Detailed Insights:

• The visit is part of preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit to be hosted by India and the India-Russia annual summit scheduled in Russia this year.
• A joint project for the production of carbamide (urea) is under development between India and Russia.
• Discussions included continued energy supply to India, as well as regional and global developments, including the conflict in West Asia.
• Recent engagements include Foreign Office Consultations between India and Russia and meetings with high-ranking Russian officials.
• These conversations coincide with growing energy insecurity in India and the rest of South Asia due to the ongoing war in West Asia.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Natural gas that has been cooled to liquid form for ease of storage and transportation.
• BRICS: An acronym denoting an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• Carbamide (Urea): A nitrogen-rich chemical compound used worldwide as a fertilizer.