A Russian oil tanker that was earlier heading towards China has now changed its route and is moving towards India. The vessel, named Aqua Titan, is expected to reach New Mangalore on 21st March with a shipment of Urals crude oil.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the tanker had initially listed the Chinese port of Rizhao as its destination after loading oil from a Baltic Sea port in late January. However, while passing through the South China Sea in mid-March, the vessel suddenly changed direction and is now heading towards India.
A Russian oil-laden tanker that was bound for China has U-turned in and is now hurrying to India https://t.co/vpkdM4u2Fu
— Bloomberg (@business) March 18, 2026
India ramps up Russian oil imports
This change in the direction of the oil tanker comes at a time when India has started to increase its imports of oil from Russia. It is reported that India increased its imports of oil from Russia after the country received temporary permission from the United States.
In just one week after this development, India reportedly purchased as much as 30 million barrels of oil from Russia. This is seen as India’s attempt to cope with the disruption in the supply of oil from the Middle East due to the tensions involving Iran.
More tankers are diverting towards India
The Aqua Titan is not the only tanker to change course. Data from Vortexa Ltd. shows that at least seven ships carrying Russian oil have diverted their routes from China to India in recent weeks. This indicates a clear shift in trade patterns, with India once again emerging as a key buyer of Russian crude.
At the same time, other countries like Japan and South Korea have also started resuming purchases from Russia, which could push global oil prices higher.
In a separate development, another tanker of Russian oil, the Zouzou N., is also on its way to India. The vessel is carrying Kazakh CPC Blend crude and is expected to arrive at Sikka port in the Gulf of Kutch around 25th March.
This tanker had earlier set course for China after leaving Novorossiysk port in Russia’s Black Sea region, but later changed direction and is now heading towards Indian waters.
