Bangladesh, Nov. 21 -- Indias largest private refiner, Reliance Industries, has taken a decisive step in the shifting geopolitical landscape of global energy markets by halting imports of Russian crude ahead of a key US sanctions deadline. The move, aimed at preserving access to Western markets while avoiding secondary sanctions risks, highlights the increasingly delicate balancing act New Delhi must perform as the US and Europe tighten the screws on Moscows energy revenues.

Reliance-which operates the worlds single-largest refining complex at Jamnagar on Indias west coast-confirmed on November 20 that it has received its final shipment of Russian crude oil. The cargo, loaded on November 12, was part of pre-agreed liftings that were R...