In October 2025, the international energy markets were troubled by a sudden change.
On October 22, local time, as soon as U.S. sanctions on Russian energy companies were implemented, India responded quickly. It was revealed that India plans to significantly reduce oil imports from Russia, and the former "close" energy cooperation suddenly turned sharply.
Meanwhile, China has made a firm voice at this key node, leaving Russia down.This step backwards, not only changes in energy transactions, but also reflect the game of interest and trust in international relations.
India's sudden "turning back" is based on its own calculation
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has been ongoing for years, and Russia has still resisted pressure under the heavy pressure of Western sanctions, of which oil exports have become its most important "blood pipeline".
India is an important link on this "lifeline". In the past few years, India has significantly increased the amount of oil it imports from Russia, claiming that it is to ensure its own energy security, but in fact it has gained a lot of economic benefits from it.
But on October 22, local time, the United States announced sanctions on two Russian energy companies. After the announcement of a new round of US sanctions, the wind in India has changed. On the 23rd, it was reported that several major oil refining companies in India suddenly spread news that they planned to significantly reduce or stop purchasing Russian oil.
The coincidence of time, coupled with the trade friction that has existed between the United States and India, has already explained everything.
India's "turn" is, in the final analysis, for its own interests. The United States has previously set high tariffs on Indian exports, some of which are directly linked to India's oil purchases from Russia.
Now India wants to ease the pressure in this regard, and the most direct way is to cut off energy exchanges with Russia and give the United States a "positive signal."
This is not the first time that India has made such a choice at a critical moment. On the surface, it remains "neutral", but in practice, it often has obvious tendencies. This kind of "having both sides" approach will inevitably make partners question their trust.
China's clear statement has served as a "ballast stone"
Unlike India’s rapid transformation, China’s attitude was very clear from the outset.
After the United States announced a new round of sanctions on Russian energy companies, on October 23, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council.
The message of these remarks was very clear that China is unwilling and will not change its policy direction due to pressure from other countries. Cooperation between China and Russia, especially in the energy field, has formed a long-term stable mechanism that cannot be interrupted by a word from any country.
China’s position is not just a statement, but also a “determination bullet” for Russia in action.
With the global energy market deterred from Russian oil, China's stable demand and clear attitude have preserved an important market for Russia, and this is already normal trade. However, for Russia, which is facing pressure from many parties, this stable cooperative relationship is particularly precious.
More importantly, China expresses its position in a calm and rational way.
This approach not only safeguards its own interests, but also avoids the risk of deteriorating relations with major powers. From a strategic point of view, this is a very mature and robust response.
Russia’s “immunity” has a prerequisite.
In the face of U.S. sanctions, Russia has as always shown a tough attitude. Such sanctions are no longer commonplace. On the 23rd local time, Putin said that they would not have a major impact on the Russian economy.
On the surface, this statement is not unreasonable. After all, Russia has already established a set of means to deal with Western sanctions.
But backwards, this “immunity” did not emerge in vain, but was built on a few key partners who are still willing to continue to work together.
Once these important countries begin to shake, such as India's sudden reduction in purchases, Russia's export structure will be hit heavily.
Although Russia and India have a long-term foundation for energy cooperation, judging from India's decision this time, the so-called "traditional friendship" cannot completely resist the temptation of practical interests.
When the U.S. threw out the news, India quickly made a choice, which also brought a wake-up to Russia.
In contrast, China’s statements reassure Russia that cooperation is stable, the position is clear, and it is not easy to shake, which gives Russia a place to rely on in the crisis.
The touchstone of international relations: who can be relied on at critical moments
In fact, this event once again reveals an old question: what are reliable partners in international relations? those “opportunists” who are willing to cooperate at ordinary times and to cook at critical moments? or those “long-termists” who remain determined and do not keep up with the wave?
India’s approach exposes its consistent short-sighted strategy in international affairs to easily give up long-term partnerships for the economic benefits ahead, a choice that could be made in exchange for some concessions from the United States in the short term, but in the long run will also undermine its global credibility.
China’s approach offers another path, adhering to principles, respecting rules,ining normal cooperation, and not easily changing positions even under external pressure.
This stability is particularly important in today's chaotic international situation. Partners are not established by shouting slogans, but are formed in the process of supporting each other and responding together in difficulties one after another.
This time, Russia may have been "taught a living lesson" again. The so-called "traditional friendship" is not worth mentioning in the face of real interests. A true strategic partner is a country that does not lose its chain at a critical moment. China has done just that.
Trust is the most difficult bargaining chip to buy
India this time for a paper trade agreement, choosing to "cut" with Russia, not only makes it clear to the bottom of its strategy, but also makes Russia more cautious in judging future cooperation objects.
In contrast to China, in the tighter of the wind, firmly expressed the position, not only stabilized the situation, but also strengthened the strategic mutual trust between Russia.
In the future international game, who can become the real "stabilizing force" depends not on who shouts loudly and who becomes fast, but on who can hold his breath and stand firm at the critical moment.
Russia may say that it is not afraid of sanctions, but it knows in its heart that international relations are never a one-shot deal, but long-term mutual trust and responsibility. China has given the answer to this point with actions.
The reference information:
Source: India is preparing to significantly reduce Russian oil imports-Guangming.com 2025-10-24 07:43
Foreign Ministry: China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions without the basis of international law and without the authorization of the United Nations Security Council. — CBS News 2025-10-23 16:15
Putin responds to new U.S. sanctions — The Strait Network 2025-10-24 09:06