India-Russia energy ties deepen amid global crisis: How geopolitical realignment and fossil fuel dependence shape strategic bonds

Indigenous and grassroots perspectives in India and Russia highlight the environmental and social costs of fossil fuel expansion, such as land dispossession and air pollution in indigenous communities near oil fields. Traditional knowledge systems in both countries emphasize energy decentralization and community-based solutions, which are sidelined in favor of large-scale fossil fuel projects. The reliance on Russian oil also undermines India’s potential for indigenous renewable energy innovations, such as solar microgrids in rural areas.

The India-Russia relationship echoes Cold War-era non-alignment, where both nations sought to balance great power competition without formal alliances. Historical precedents, such as India’s 1971 treaty with the USSR, demonstrate how energy and military ties were used to counterbalance U.S. influence. However, the current alignment is distinct in its focus on fossil fuel trade, which was not a major feature of earlier Cold War dynamics. The narrative also ignores how Western sanctions on Russia have created a unique market opportunity for India.

In Africa, energy alliances with China or Russia are often framed as 'win-win' partnerships, despite critiques of extractivism and debt dependency. Latin American nations have similarly used non-alignment to navigate U.S.-China tensions, often prioritising sovereignty over ideological alignment. India’s approach echoes these traditions but with a unique emphasis on energy security as a tool for strategic autonomy. Cross-cultural comparisons reveal that 'trusted friend' narratives often mask structural inequalities in energy trade.

Scientific consensus highlights the long-term risks of fossil fuel dependence, including climate change and air pollution, which are exacerbated by India’s reliance on Russian oil. Studies show that India’s energy transition could be accelerated by investing in renewable energy, but current policies prioritize short-term energy security over long-term sustainability. The narrative also overlooks the role of Western sanctions in distorting global energy markets, creating artificial scarcities that benefit Russia.

Artistic and spiritual traditions in both India and Russia often emphasize harmony with nature and the dangers of unchecked resource extraction. Russian literature, for example, critiques the environmental degradation caused by Soviet-era industrialization, while Indian spiritual texts advocate for sustainable living. These perspectives are largely absent in mainstream geopolitical discourse, which frames energy ties as purely strategic. The 'trusted friend' narrative also ignores the moral and ethical dimensions of fossil fuel dependence.

Future scenarios suggest that India’s reliance on Russian oil could lock it into a high-carbon development pathway, undermining its climate commitments and energy security. Alternative models, such as regional renewable energy grids or green hydrogen partnerships, are rarely discussed in mainstream narratives. The current alignment also risks entrenching India’s dependence on fossil fuels, making it vulnerable to future geopolitical shocks. Long-term strategic planning must consider the implications of this energy dependence for India’s global role.

Marginalised voices in India, such as environmental activists and indigenous communities, are largely excluded from the narrative, despite bearing the brunt of fossil fuel expansion. In Russia, critics of the Kremlin’s energy policies, including environmental NGOs and local communities affected by oil spills, are systematically silenced. The framing also ignores the role of Global South solidarity movements that advocate for alternative energy models. These voices highlight the human and ecological costs of the current alignment.