New Delhi: A Russian crude oil tanker bound for India has been delayed at an eastern Indian port due to extensive scrutiny of its insurance documentation, highlighting the growing regulatory vigilance in India amid global sanctions on Russian energy exports. The tanker, identified as the Aframax vessel Tiger 6, had been scheduled to unload its cargo of ESPO-grade Russian crude at Paradip Port on November 23, but as of November 26, it remained off the coast, unable to discharge its shipment.
Sources close to the matter told Reuters that the delay stems from the verification of the vessel’s insurance, provided by Russian insurer Soglasie Insurance Co Ltd. Under new Indian regulations, all vessels insured outside the mainstream International Group (IG) must undergo rigorous online verification before being allowed to dock. Since Soglasie is not an IG member, the documentation faced additional scrutiny, delaying the unloading process. Indian authorities have emphasized that these measures aim to ensure the authenticity and adequacy of protection and indemnity (P&I) coverage, particularly for older tankers operating outside traditional insurance frameworks.
The incident underscores India’s increasingly cautious approach to Russian crude imports, which have surged since 2022 as Western sanctions disrupted traditional oil flows. Analysts say the tightening of port procedures and verification requirements reflects a broader effort to mitigate legal, financial, and safety risks associated with Russian energy shipments. While India continues to purchase discounted Russian oil to meet domestic demand, the Paradip delay signals that compliance and documentation standards are becoming critical for uninterrupted deliveries.
Beyond regulatory implications, the delay could have wider market repercussions. Non-IG insurers such as Soglasie have been allowed limited coverage under Indian regulations, but delays like this introduce uncertainty for refiners and traders relying on Russian crude. Potential slowdowns in unloading may affect supply chains, influence pricing, and require refiners to seek alternative sources.
Industry observers are now closely monitoring whether similar delays occur at other major Indian ports, such as Vadinar and Mundra. The situation also serves as a reminder that geopolitical tensions and sanction frameworks increasingly shape maritime trade, and that logistical and bureaucratic compliance is just as vital as contractual agreements in ensuring delivery.
The Paradip Port incident marks a turning point in India’s handling of sanctioned Russian oil, demonstrating that even approved shipments are subject to strict oversight. For global oil markets and buyers of Russian crude, it is a clear signal: documentation and regulatory compliance will determine whether cargoes reach shore on time or face significant hold-ups.