9APRIL 2026INDIAN REFINERS BOOST RUSSIAN OIL IMPORTS AS WAR HITS SUPPLYC2C ADVANCED SYSTEMS WINS INDIAN NAVY-LINKED SHIPYARD ORDERIndian refiners increase Russian oil imports again as companies rush to secure supply during ongoing Middle East disruptions.Indian refiners have booked about 60 million barrels of Russian crude for delivery next month, easing fears of shortages as the war impacts flows through the Strait of Hormuz.C2C Advanced Systems has won an important defence-related order from Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), marking a strong step forward for the growing Indian technology firm. The deal is connected to projects for the Indian Navy and reflects the increasing involvement of private companies in the country's defence sector.Although the exact value of the contract has not been disclosed, the order highlights C2C Advanced Systems' rising presence in the field of naval technologies and defence technologies. The company is known for developing advanced command-and-control systems, data-driven solutions, and integrated platforms that support modern military operations.The cargoes were secured at premiums of USD 5 to USD 15 per barrel over Brent, according to people familiar with the matter. This volume matches March levels but is more than double February purchases, based on Kpler data. The spike follows a US waiver allowing India to import Russian oil already loaded before March 5, later extended to shipments at sea before March 12.India, heavily dependent on imports, had reduced Russian buying late last year under US pressure, shifting to supplies from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. However, much of that crude is now stuck in the Persian Gulf due to the conflict, forcing refiners back to Moscow's barrels. Companies like Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. and Hindustan Mittal Energy Ltd. have re-entered the Russian market after avoiding it since December.Indian refiners step for Russian oil imports is not the only a shift. To diversify supply, India is also increasing Venezuelan crude purchases, with April arrivals expected to hit 8 million barrels, the highest since October 2020.Officials in New Delhi expect the US waiver to continue if disruptions persist in Hormuz. Meanwhile, Russia is benefiting from the renewed demand, earning its highest crude export revenues since March 2022. Hindustan Shipyard, a government-owned enterprise, plays a key role in building and maintaining ships for the Indian Navy. This new order is part of broader efforts to strengthen India's maritime capabilities using locally developed technologies, reducing reliance on foreign imports.Experts believe this development is another sign of the success of the government's push for Make in India and defence manufacturing. Private firms are now becoming an essential part of the ecosystem, especially in areas such as combat management systems, electronics, and real-time operational technologies.C2C Advanced Systems has already built a reputation in the defence space, including work in defence electronics and naval systems. Securing a project linked to the Indian Navy further strengthens confidence in the company's capabilities.India's defence sector is undergoing rapid transforma-tion, with a strong focus on innovation and indigenisation. The Navy, in particular, is investing in advanced systems to improve operational efficiency, decision-making, and overall combat readiness.This order is expected to boost C2C Advanced Systems' business and position it as a key player in India's defence technology landscape, while opening doors to future growth opportunities.
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