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Russia reinsurer backs companies to get India marine insurance authorization

Russia's stateowned reinsurer has actually given financial backing to 3 Russian insurance firms, enabling them to get Indian approval to offer marine insurance cover to tankers, two sources stated, as Moscow seeks to facilitate trade with India amidst Western sanctions.

A raft of sanctions by the U.S. and allies against Moscow over its Ukraine invasion, in addition to tighter scrutiny of Russian oil trade, has practically cut Russia off from the worldwide network of service suppliers such as insurers and brokers.

Russian business Sogaz Insurance coverage, Alfastrakhovanie, and VSK Insurance, have joined Ingosstrakh as insurance providers approved by India for providing marine insurance cover, an order posted on Indian shipping regulator's website showed.

India has authorized the three new insurers after Russian National Reinsurance Company (RNRC) supplied a monetary warranty, the two sources with direct knowledge of matter stated.

This is the very first time RNRC's role in providing monetary backing to the three Russian insurers to get certified in India has been reported.

With the backing of the Russian National Reinsurance Company, a wholly-owned entity of the Russian Federal government, these insurers boast robust financial support and stability, among the sources said.

Insurance coverage is necessary for maritime transportation, particularly oil freights that need the highest security standards due to the threat of spills.

Sogaz Insurance, Alfastrakhovanie and VSK Insurance agents and an RNRC representative did not instantly respond to requests for remark.

RNRC, controlled by the Russian reserve bank, was sanctioned by the UK and European Union in 2023.

India's Directorate General of Shipping did not react to a. e-mail seeking remarks.

Ingosstrakh is not expanding its maritime insurance coverage. activities to India. Our relationship with India in the marine. insurance coverage market has actually spanned over 57 years, dating back to. 1967 when we opened our workplace in Mumbai, an Ingosstrakh. spokesperson said in an emailed declaration.

The 3 Russian insurers, which specialise in protection. and indemnity (P&I) insurance coverage, are not part of the. Europe-based International Group, which is made up of twelve. so-called P&I clubs.

The IG states it provides marine liability cover for. around 90% of the world's ocean-going shipping tonnage.

A due treatment has been followed (by the Indian shipping. regulator) for including these brand-new entities in the list of. non-IG companies that can offer insurance, one of the two. sources said.

SIGNIFICANT SUPPLIER

The Group of Seven (G7), the European Union and Australia. have actually enforced a $60 per barrel cost cap for Russian oil if. Western services such as shipping and insurance coverage are utilized.

The aim is to squeeze Russia's oil profits while keeping. the supply to the marketplace stable.

Russia has actually become a major oil provider to India, the. world's 3rd biggest oil importer and consumer, as its oil is. sold at a discount rate after Western countries halted buy from. Moscow.

The Indian federal government has actually stated that the country abides by. United Nations sanctions and does not follow those imposed by. any other country.

A source from among India's refiners said banks are extremely. strict in clearing payments for Russian oil to guarantee that. Russian crude is priced listed below the $60 per barrel cap.

The rate cap mechanism bans Western companies from. supplying maritime services, including financing, insurance coverage, and. delivering for oil sold above the cap.

Why would Russia like to forgo its income from insurance coverage. premiums and give it to the western insurance companies. It is not a small. amount, this source stated.

Even if Russia is legally permitted to use Western services. they do not wish to utilize them, he said.

This likewise indicates they need to share information of their dealing. with the (Western) provider.

Indian refiners purchase Russian oil on provided basis mostly. from traders to avoid any liability arising due to sanctions. before discharge of oil freights.

The accreditation of the 3 Russian entities stands. until Feb. 20 next year, however authorisation for Russia's. Ingosstrakh has actually been extended by 5 years to Feb. 20, 2029, an. order published on the site of India's Directorate General of. Shipping site revealed.

(source: Reuters)