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India under US pressure to cut oil imports from Iran, Govt says exploring all options

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Two days after US said it would not waive sanctions to India or any country if they do not stop oil imports from Iran by November 4, and a day after it called off the ‘2+2’ dialogue slated for July 6, reports suggested India was preparing to stop buying oil from Iran.

India’s oil ministry has asked refiners to prepare for a “drastic reduction or zero” imports of Iranian oil from November, said a report by news agency Reuters quoting two persons from the industry.

The Indian government said it is evaluating ‘all options’ to ensure the country’s energy security, reported LiveMint. “We feel that Iran is a traditional partner. We have historical civilisational linkages with Iran,” said Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson for India’s ministry of external affairs on Thursday.

“It should be noted that the statement was not India specific and it applies to all countries across the world. As far as we are concerned, we will take all necessary steps including engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure our energy security,” Kumar added.

This comes in the backdrop of US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to stop oil imports from Iran. She was on a visit to India.

At the same time, the inaugural India-US “2+2” dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers of the two countries that was to be held in Washington on 6 July was postponed for a second time. “This scheduling change was prompted by reasons entirely unrelated to the bilateral relationship,” the US embassy in New Delhi said in a statement on Thursday. Iran’s oil import was expected to have been a major topic of discussion at the 2+2 dialogue.

Also, on Wednesday, June 27, a PTI report said US has told all countries, including India and China, to stop their oil imports from Iran by November 4 or face sanctions for carrying out any transaction with Tehran as there would be “zero” waivers to any country.

India views Iran as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia besides a key source of energy. In a recent press conference, Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said that India would only adhere to UN sanctions and not unilateral strictures placed by countries.

According to news wire agency Press Trust of India, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday in Mumbai said that the government “will go by the national interest.”

Reuters report quoting industry people said India, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil after China, will be forced to take action to protect its exposure to the US financial system. India’s oil ministry held a meeting with refiners on Thursday, urging them to scout for alternatives to Iranian oil, the people said.

“(India) has asked refiners to be prepared for any eventuality, since the situation is still evolving. There could be drastic reduction or there could be no import at all,” said one of the sources, who has knowledge of the matter.

During the previous round of sanctions, India was one of the few countries that continued to buy Iranian oil, although it had to reduce imports as shipping, insurance and banking channels were choked due to the European and US sanctions.

One of the persons quoted above said this time the situation is different, reported Reuters. “You have India, China and Europe on one side, and US on the other… At this moment we really don’t know what to do, but at the same time we have to prepare ourselves to face any eventuality,” said this person.

The US push to curb countries’ imports of Iranian oil comes after President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 deal between Iran and six world powers and ordered a reimposition of sanctions on Tehran.

Some sanctions take effect after a 90-day “wind-down” period ending on 6 August, and the rest, notably in the petroleum sector, following a 180-day “wind-down period” ending on 4 November.

Companies halt imports

Under pressure from the US sanctions, Reliance Industries Ltd, the operator of the world’s biggest refining complex, has decided to halt imports.

Nayara Energy, an Indian company promoted by Russian oil major Rosneft, is also preparing to halt Iranian oil imports from November after a communication from the government, a second source said. The company has already started cutting its oil imports from this month.

Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd and Nayara Energy, the top three Indian buyers of Iranian oil, and the oil ministry did not respond to Reuters’s request for comments.

Removing Iranian oil from the global market by November as called for by the US is impossible, an Iranian oil official told the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Wednesday.

The options to find replacements to Iranian oil have widened after Opec agreed with Russia and other oil-producing allies last week to raise output from July by about 1 million bpd, with Saudi Arabia pledging a “measurable” supply boost but giving no specific numbers.

Saudi Arabia’s plans to pump up to 11 million barrels of oil per day (bpd) in July would mark a new record, an industry source familiar with Saudi oil production plans told Reuters on Tuesday.

The second source said there were plenty of options available in the market to replace Iranian oil. “There are companies and traders that are willing to give you a 60 day credit, crude is available in the market,” the source said.

To boost its sales to India, Iran recently offered virtually free shipping and an extended credit period of 60 days.

“We can buy Basra Heavy, Saudi or Kuwait oil to replace Iran. Finding replacement barrels is not a problem, but it has to give the best economic value,” a third source in New Delhi said.

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Alphabet’s $32 billion acquisition of Wiz marks biggest cybersecurity push

Alphabet has announced a $32 billion deal to acquire Wiz, reinforcing its cloud security offerings as it competes with AWS and Microsoft Azure.

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Alphabet to acquire Wiz for $32 billion to boost cloud security

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has announced its largest acquisition to date with a $32 billion deal to buy cybersecurity startup Wiz. The move signals Alphabet’s aggressive expansion in cloud security as it competes with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure in the cloud computing market.

A strategic investment in cybersecurity

The acquisition will integrate Wiz into Google Cloud, reinforcing its security capabilities to help businesses mitigate cyber risks. The deal, which follows Alphabet’s previously unsuccessful $23 billion bid, underscores the company’s commitment to securing a stronger foothold in the cloud security space.

Wiz, an Israel-based firm, provides security solutions that work across major cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. The company has gained significant traction, boasting clients such as Morgan Stanley, BMW, and LVMH.

Regulatory scrutiny and financial impact

Despite the high price tag, Alphabet appears confident in securing regulatory approval under the new U.S. administration, which has maintained a watchful eye on major tech mergers. Notably, the termination fee—over $3.2 billion—stands among the highest in M&A history, signaling both parties’ commitment to closing the deal.

Alphabet’s stock dipped nearly 3% following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns over its heavy spending, particularly in AI and cloud computing. The company may need external financing, given its cash reserves of approximately $23.47 billion as of December 31, 2024.

Growing importance of cybersecurity

The acquisition highlights the increasing demand for cybersecurity solutions, especially in light of last year’s global CrowdStrike outage that disrupted businesses worldwide. Analysts suggest that for Google Cloud to compete effectively with Microsoft Azure, it must offer a more comprehensive suite of security services.

Alphabet expects the deal to be finalized in 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, Wiz will continue providing its services across multiple cloud platforms, potentially alleviating antitrust concerns.

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Gadgets

Zepto launches quick delivery of iPhone, iPad, and Apple products in India

Zepto partners with Apple to provide 10-minute doorstep delivery of iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and more in select Indian locations, competing with Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.

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Zepto now offers quick delivery of Apple products in India

Zepto, the quick commerce platform, has announced its partnership with Apple to offer doorstep delivery of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, and other Apple accessories in India. The collaboration aims to provide instant access to premium Apple products, with deliveries promised in under 10 minutes.

Zepto expands Apple portfolio with latest devices

According to an official statement from Zepto, users in select locations can now order Apple’s recently launched iPhone 16E, AirPods 4, and the latest iPad models. The initiative aligns with the platform’s strategy to expand its electronics category, following its recent launch of quick deliveries for Vivo smartphones and Asus accessories in key Indian cities.

Speaking on the development, Abhimanyu Singh, Business Head of Electronics at Zepto, highlighted the growing demand for Apple products on the platform. He revealed that over one million users searched for Apple items in the past month, with a 35% month-on-month increase in searches.

Discounts, EMI offers, and availability

Zepto is offering various incentives, including launch discounts, no-cost EMI plans, and special offers on bank card payments. Customers can also avail of coupon-based and mobile wallet discounts to reduce costs further.

While the service is currently limited to select cities, it positions Zepto in direct competition with Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, which also offer quick delivery of Apple products. Additionally, BigBasket has begun delivering iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus in partnership with Croma Electronics in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai.

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Gadgets

Zepto to deliver Apple products within 10 minutes

This announcement follows closely on the heels of competitor Blinkit, which recently began its rapid delivery service for Apple products, including MacBook Airs, iPads, and AirPods, in select metropolitan areas across India.

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Zepto, the innovative quick commerce platform, has taken a significant leap forward by unveiling a comprehensive selection of Apple products in its electronics category. With the addition of renowned items such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, and an array of accessories, Zepto is poised to enhance its competitiveness in the premium electronics sector. This strategic move expands its offerings to over 5,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) available from diverse sellers on the platform.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of competitor Blinkit, which recently began its rapid delivery service for Apple products, including MacBook Airs, iPads, and AirPods, in select metropolitan areas across India.

In response to the escalating demand for immediate access to high-quality gadgets, Zepto aims to position itself as a go-to destination for consumers seeking high-end electronics. The company has reported a notable 35% month-over-month surge in the number of users actively searching for Apple products.

“Our partnership with Apple allows us to offer a broad array of cutting-edge technology, making it more accessible and revolutionizing the buying experience for premium gadgets,” said Abhimanyu Singh, business head of the electronics division at Zepto. He highlighted the increasing consumer interest, stating, “In just the past month, over a million users have searched for Apple devices—whether it’s the latest iPhone 16E, AirPods 4, or iPads—indicating a strong appetite for quick access to premium tech.”

Singh added that this expansion is not just about adding products; it is about enhancing the overall shopping experience. “With our sellers bolstering their collaboration with Apple, we’re redefining what it means to shop for electronics, ensuring the process is faster, more convenient, and seamless. We are grateful to our sellers for making this possible,” he noted.

Overall, Zepto proudly showcases a diverse catalogue of more than 45,000 products, spanning categories such as groceries, electronics, beauty items, and toys, serving customers across nearly 50 cities in India. With its commitment to excellence, Zepto continues to set new standards for quick commerce in the high-tech market.

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