The UK has imposed sanctions on India’s Nayara Energy, a refinery jointly owned by Russian oil major Rosneft, as part of its latest measures targeting entities linked to Moscow’s energy trade.
Announced on 15 October, the sanctions include asset freezes and restrictions on UK-based services and transactions. The move forms part of a broader package targeting nearly 90 individuals and organisations accused of helping Russia sustain its wartime economy.
Nayara operates one of India’s largest refineries at Vadinar in Gujarat, with Rosneft holding a 49% stake. The company has been under scrutiny for continuing to import and refine Russian crude since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
The new UK measures follow similar action from the EU earlier this year, which limited Nayara’s access to shipping, banking, and export markets.
In response, New Delhi has criticised London’s decision, saying unilateral sanctions against Indian firms are “unacceptable” and outside the framework of international law.
Nayara has reportedly begun shifting more of its refined product sales to the domestic market while seeking government assistance to maintain operations amid tightening Western restrictions.
The sanctions list also includes Russian energy majors Lukoil and Rosneft, as well as several shipping companies and vessels allegedly involved in transporting Russian oil and LNG.
