
India’s biggest company, Reliance, is once again showing how to play the global game smartly. While the US and Russia clash over oil, Mukesh Ambani’s energy giant is making bold moves to protect its profits and support India’s global interests.
Just seven months ago, Reliance signed a big 10-year deal with Russian oil giant Rosneft. The goal? Buy cheap crude oil. This helped India cut costs and reduce fuel prices. But now, US President Donald Trump has warned he will hit countries like India with secondary sanctions if they keep buying Russian oil. He’s given a 50-day deadline.

That puts Reliance in a tricky spot. But Ambani’s team is already one step ahead.
Reliance’s Smart Energy Shuffle
Even though Russian oil was cheap, the discounts are not as big anymore. Reports say the price gap for Russian oil sent to India is now the narrowest since 2022. Demand from other countries like Turkey is going up, and that’s shrinking India’s savings.
So what does Reliance do? It switches gears.
In June, a U.S. tanker loaded with shale gas — also known as ethane — landed in India. This gas usually went to China. But after the US made it harder to sell to China, Reliance stepped in. It bought the cargo, marking the first time the ship came to India instead of China since 2022.
This move is clever. It helps India in two ways. First, it shows the US that India is still buying from American energy firms. Second, it gives India an upper hand in trade talks with Washington.
A Refinery Built for Any Crisis
The reason Reliance can do all this is its powerful Jamnagar refinery. It’s one of the most advanced in the world. It can handle many types of crude, from cheap Russian barrels to US gas. In the last year, Reliance made a gross refining margin of ₹860 per barrel — that’s 34% more than government-owned ONGC.
So even if sanctions hit or prices rise, Reliance has options. It can shift supplies, tweak strategy, and keep profits flowing.
What This Means for India
Reliance isn’t just chasing profits. Its moves are helping India balance between two powerful countries. As tensions grow, every smart trade counts.
This energy balancing act shows how Indian companies like Reliance are not just surviving global shocks — they’re shaping the game.
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