New Delhi - Russian offer to buy crude oil and other commodities may be taken up by India at a discount, two Indian officials said, a sign viewed by many as the keenness of Delhi to keep its key trading partner on board despite Western attempts to isolate Moscow through sanctions.

The move quashes the recent opinion by U.S. officials that India would likely distance itself from Russia as much as possible, while recognising its heavy reliance on Moscow for everything from arms and ammunitions to missiles and fighter jets.

India has not condemned the invasion of Ukraine and abstained from voting at the United Nations calling out Russia's aggression.

One person within India's security apparatus said the West understood India's position, given that it needs to keep its armed forces well supplied amid bubbling territorial disputes with China.

India, which imports 80% of its oil needs, usually buys only about 2-3% from Russia. But with oil prices up 40% so far this year, the government is looking at increasing this if it can help reduce its rising energy bill.

"Russia is offering oil and other commodities at a heavy discount. We will be happy to take that," one of the Indian government officials said.

An Indian government official said that such trade required preparatory work including transportation, insurance cover and getting the right blend of crude, but once that was done India would take Russia up on its offer reported Reuters. The officials, who declined to be identified, did not say how much oil was on offer or what the discount was.

It was reported earlier that Indian officials are trying to set up a rupee-rouble mechanism with Russia to continue bilateral trade.

Russia has urged what it describes as friendly nations to maintain trade and investment ties. Apart from oil, India is also looking for cheaper fertiliser from Russia and its ally Belarus, according to one of the officials.
-Reuters