Russia Pitches Sanctioned LNG to India Despite US Obstacles
Russian officials have engaged with Indian buyers at the India Energy Week conference in New Delhi, offering liquefied natural gas (LNG) from their Arctic LNG 2 export facility. Novatek PJSC, the Arctic LNG 2 operator, held discussions with Indian counterparts on potential volume sales, sources reveal.
Despite US sanctions imposed in 2023, Novatek has yet to secure any Indian purchase agreements. On Wednesday, Russian companies held a broader meeting with Indian firms, but the Arctic LNG 2 topic was absent. Oil Secretary Pankaj Jain clarified that separate discussions may have taken place.
Leonid Mikhelson, Novatek's chairman, is among the attendees at the conference, along with numerous other Novatek executives. The company has not responded to a request for comment.
The Arctic LNG 2 facility commenced exports in 2023, utilizing shadow fleet vessels. However, no shipments have reached foreign ports due to buyer hesitancy over potential US sanctions violations. Novatek's outreach to India aligns with earlier attempts to mitigate US opposition to Russian LNG.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Washington later this week, further raising speculation about a possible resolution to the LNG standoff.