For the first time since 2019, Iran has resumed supplying crude oil to India, marking a significant development in bilateral energy trade.

This follows the recent decision by the United States to ease sanctions on Iranian crude, which had remained stranded at sea due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. With restrictions gradually lifted, Indian refineries have shown renewed interest in sourcing oil from Iran.

According to data intelligence firm Kpler, an oil tanker carrying approximately 600,000 barrels of crude departed from Iran and is en route to India. The shipment was loaded on March 4 at Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil terminal, and is expected to reach Vadinar port in Gujarat by April 4.

This development marks the first instance in nearly five years that Iranian crude is being delivered to India. Prior to sanctions, Iran was among India’s major oil suppliers, accounting for nearly 11.5 percent of total imports at its peak.

In 2018, India imported around 518,000 barrels of Iranian crude per day. However, this volume dropped significantly to 268,000 barrels per day by May 2019, before declining to zero following stricter US sanctions.

As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding which Indian refinery will process the incoming crude shipment. The resumption of imports could signal a shift in India’s energy sourcing strategy amid evolving global conditions.