By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A recent report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) revealed that India imported 5.4 million tonnes of Russian oil worth €2.1 billion between January and September 2025 using 30 vessels sailing under false flags. This comprised the largest single national destination for crude transported by Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is comprised of aged tankers operating in legal grey areas. The report indicated a concerning rise in the number of Russian vessels utilizing false flags, with 113 such vessels transporting 13% of all Russian crude oil during the first nine months of the year. CREA emphasized the need for global reforms, urging the EU and UK to address the environmental and security threats posed by these practices and to disrupt the logistics that support Russia’s war effort.
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India imported 5.4 million tonnes of Russian crude on false-flag vessels in 2025: Report, and it seems like this situation is stirring up quite a bit of discussion. It’s important to approach these kinds of reports with a critical eye, remembering that sensationalism can sometimes cloud the truth.
One of the central issues seems to be the use of “false-flag vessels.” This refers to ships that may be registered in one country but are actually owned or operated by another, potentially to obscure the origin of the oil or to circumvent sanctions. It’s a complicated web, and understanding it is key to assessing the claims. The suggestion here is that India, while buying Russian crude, might be doing so via these vessels to give the appearance of non-involvement, perhaps due to pressure from the West.
The underlying economics play a huge role. It’s clear that the price of Russian Urals crude is a major factor. The report suggests the price cap set by Western nations is impacting the market, and India and China might be finding ways to get that cheaper oil. The fact that the price of Russian crude is currently below that of Brent crude gives a clear incentive to look for the cheapest option. If you’re a nation with a massive population like India, you have a huge energy need, and you’re going to try to get that energy at the most reasonable price, potentially bypassing restrictions in the process.
This raises the question of hypocrisy. The narrative suggests that Europe, despite publicly condemning Russia’s actions, continues to import significant amounts of Russian fossil fuels. Meanwhile, countries like India are being pressured. The situation becomes even more complicated as the report notes that there’s a good deal of trade going on behind the scenes, with Europe apparently buying Russian oil from India at a higher price. It paints a picture of a global energy market where the interests of individual nations and blocs can conflict, and not always predictably.
It’s also important to consider the concept of “flags of convenience”. Certain countries, often with less stringent regulations, allow ships to register under their flag. This can have implications for taxes, oversight, and liability, so it’s a common practice. The use of these flags, in this context, adds to the complexity of identifying the true origin of the oil and whether sanctions are being violated.
The political context is just as important as the economic one. India, as a large and independent nation, has a long history of non-alignment. The country is likely prioritizing its own economic interests and isn’t beholden to any specific bloc. This means that India’s decisions around energy are driven by its own needs and values, not necessarily by the pressures from other nations, and it’s not a question of taking a “side” as such. This approach can be seen in India’s foreign policy, which has often been about navigating the complex world while prioritizing national interests.
There’s also a significant argument that India is being unfairly targeted. The report points out that while some nations voice strong criticism, others, like China, continue to trade with Russia. This perceived double standard leads to a sense of resentment and highlights the complexities of global politics. The fact that India has a large population that needs energy to thrive is also a major consideration.
Ultimately, the article suggests that India is seeking to meet the energy needs of its large population by buying the cheapest available oil, even if it is Russian oil. The means by which this is happening are likely influenced by the price cap and restrictions. These actions have put India in a difficult position and highlight some difficult questions about the fairness of global economic relationships and the price some countries pay to get their energy needs met.