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Thursday, February 19, 2026
TopicRussian crude

Topic: Russian crude

Venezuela crude returns to India’s oil basket. But only as ‘supplementary’ supply

Indian refiners are testing Venezuelan barrels again as Russian supply sinks, but analysts say volumes will remain limited due to refinery constraints & supply capacity.

‘Financing war against themselves’: US treasury secy Scott Bessent slams EU’s trade deal with India

Russian oil goes into India, the refined products come out, and the Europeans buy the refined products, he says.

Indian oil refiners are weaning away from Moscow. Just 3 bought Russian crude in January

Crude imports are expected to average around 1.2 mbpd in January—a 35 percent drop from November 2025 and broadly in line with December 2025 levels.

On Camera

India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match coverage shows it’s no longer cricket—politics & business

The ‘great rivalry’ angle was also blown out of proportion, given that India now holds a handsome record of wins against Pakistan in T20 World Cup matches—8-1.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.