Nayara Sues Microsoft Over EU Sanctions-Linked Service Cut

31 Jul 2025 CW Team

In a statement released on Monday, Nayara said Microsoft had blocked the company’s access to its own data, proprietary tools, and software—despite these being obtained under fully paid-up licences. The move, the company claimed, stems from Microsoft’s unilateral interpretation of EU sanctions, without any legal obligation under either Indian or US law.

“This decision sets a dangerous precedent for corporate overreach and has worrying implications for India’s energy security,” Nayara said.

The company has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking interim relief and the immediate resumption of services to protect its rights and avoid disruption to energy supply obligations across India.

Nayara further alleged that Microsoft withdrew services without any prior notice or consultation, warning that such extensions of foreign laws into India could adversely affect the country’s strategic energy interests.

Microsoft has yet to issue a public response.

Nayara Energy operates one of India’s largest private sector refineries at Vadinar in Gujarat, with a refining capacity of 20 million tonnes per year and a national retail fuel network. Rosneft holds a 49.13 per cent stake in the company, matched by an investment consortium.

Earlier this month, the EU named Nayara’s Vadinar refinery in its 18th sanctions package against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The sanctions include asset freezes, restrictions on shipping and insurance, and a reduced price cap on Russian crude. India, however, does not recognise such unilateral sanctions.

Since the listing, some shipping firms and oil traders have started distancing themselves from Nayara, with at least two tankers reportedly refusing to lift cargo from the Vadinar port. One of Nayara’s recent tenders for naphtha exports reportedly closed without result after changes to payment terms.

Nayara Energy, partly owned by Russian oil major Rosneft, has initiated legal proceedings against Microsoft Corporation for suspending access to critical digital services after its Vadinar refinery was listed in the European Union’s latest sanctions targeting Russian energy trade.In a statement released on Monday, Nayara said Microsoft had blocked the company’s access to its own data, proprietary tools, and software—despite these being obtained under fully paid-up licences. The move, the company claimed, stems from Microsoft’s unilateral interpretation of EU sanctions, without any legal obligation under either Indian or US law.“This decision sets a dangerous precedent for corporate overreach and has worrying implications for India’s energy security,” Nayara said.The company has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking interim relief and the immediate resumption of services to protect its rights and avoid disruption to energy supply obligations across India.Nayara further alleged that Microsoft withdrew services without any prior notice or consultation, warning that such extensions of foreign laws into India could adversely affect the country’s strategic energy interests.Microsoft has yet to issue a public response.Nayara Energy operates one of India’s largest private sector refineries at Vadinar in Gujarat, with a refining capacity of 20 million tonnes per year and a national retail fuel network. Rosneft holds a 49.13 per cent stake in the company, matched by an investment consortium.Earlier this month, the EU named Nayara’s Vadinar refinery in its 18th sanctions package against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The sanctions include asset freezes, restrictions on shipping and insurance, and a reduced price cap on Russian crude. India, however, does not recognise such unilateral sanctions.Since the listing, some shipping firms and oil traders have started distancing themselves from Nayara, with at least two tankers reportedly refusing to lift cargo from the Vadinar port. One of Nayara’s recent tenders for naphtha exports reportedly closed without result after changes to payment terms.

Real Estate

07 Aug 2026

BXB Estates Sets AED 110 Million Jumeirah Golf Estates Record

BXB Estates has completed an AED 110 million residential transaction at Jumeirah Golf Estates, setting a new sales record for the prestigious Dubai residential community.Negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner of BXB Estates, the deal surpassed the previous record of AED 58 million for a completed ready villa in the development.The six-bedroom residence offers 21,714 sq ft of built-up space on a 15,873-sq-ft plot. It features nine bathrooms, four living lounges, a home office, bar lounge, private cinema and rooftop terrace.The property also includes a dedicated wellness area comprising a ..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Aug 2026

SECR Floats Rs 6,019 Mn EPC Tender For Paradol Nagpur Link

South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a new broad gauge single line between Paradol Takeoff Point and Nagpur Road Station in Chhattisgarh. The contract carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,019.0 mn and requires an earnest money deposit of Rs 120.4 mn. The work is framed as an EPC assignment intended to strengthen regional rail infrastructure. The tender, issued under number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-15, specifies a completion period of 730 days and a bid validity of 180 days. Two pre-bid meetings are scheduled for 24 Augu..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Aug 2026

Indian Railways Reports Nine Per Cent Rise In July Freight Loading

Indian Railways handled 141.3 million tonnes (141.3 mn t) of freight in July, marking a rise of nine per cent year on year. Freight loading maintained a positive trajectory across the network compared with the same month last year. Passenger traffic also increased in July, contributing to higher overall network utilisation. The July outcome continued a pattern of steady monthly gains, reflecting gradual improvement in industrial and logistics activity. The growth in freight volumes reflected stronger demand across multiple sectors and improvements in logistics and train turnarounds. Enhanced r..