Amid discussions in the US Congress over imposing steep duties on buyers of Russian oil, India's government cautioned against double standards in sanctioning. The debate highlighted Rosneft’s minority stake in India's Nayara Energies, drawing attention to the company's links with an authoritarian state and its role in energy geopolitics.

Rosneft, a Russian state-backed oil firm, invested $20 billion in India as reported on December 5, 2024. The investment comes amid remarks by President Putin about expanding manufacturing operations in India, reinforcing economic ties between Russia and India. The move is seen as deepening financial collaboration with an authoritarian regime.

A 2023 CHRB scorecard evaluated Rosneft’s human rights performance with an overall score of 16.9/100. The report details significant shortcomings in the company’s governance, human rights due diligence, worker safety, grievance mechanisms, and overall commitment to upholding internationally recognized labor and human rights standards.

The Russian government has approved an investment of approximately 11.8 trillion rubles for the Vostok Oil project in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, a key component of the regional social and economic development strategy until 2035. Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin communicated these figures to President Vladimir Putin, signaling close collaboration with state directives despite recent withdrawals by foreign partners amid sanctions.

The Financial Times article highlights that BP is facing pressure to cut ties with Rosneft because the oil giant is supplying fuel to the Russian army, thereby contributing to the military operations of Vladimir Putin's regime in Ukraine.

Rosneft is accused of leveraging debt relationships to control independent media outlets in Russia, interfering with editorial independence and silencing dissent following changes in media ownership and governance.

Rosneft published its observance of human rights policy outlining adherence to Russian law, the Social Charter of Russian Business, and international human rights standards including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO standards, and the UN Global Compact. The policy also extends to require suppliers to follow a dedicated Code for Human Rights Observance, and establishes internal hotlines to handle rights complaints.

Rosneft released a detailed PDF outlining its commitment to human rights, including adherence to international human rights declarations and standards, support for labor rights and non-discrimination, and measures to ensure safe and equitable working conditions for employees and business partners.

BP announced its exit from a $14 billion stake in Rosneft, citing Moscow's 'act of aggression' against Ukraine. The move, accompanied by the resignation of BP's Chief Executive from the Rosneft board, reflects a growing international repudiation of state-linked Russian oil companies perceived as complicit in authoritarian actions.

Rosneft approved its 'Rosneft-2030: Reliable Energy and Global Energy Transition' strategy at the end of 2021. The strategy emphasizes measures to reduce carbon emissions, improve operational efficiency, and meet UN Sustainable Development Goals, while also addressing labor safety, human rights, and corporate ethics through comprehensive ESG initiatives.

On 8 July 2021, Rosneft published its Supplier Code of Conduct to enforce human rights principles throughout its supply chain. The initiative mandates that suppliers and contractors adhere to established human rights standards, as outlined in international declarations and local laws, and continues the company's longstanding commitment to ethical business practices.

In 2021, Rosneft aligned its business operations with the UN Global Compact, emphasizing adherence to human rights, labor relations, environmental protection, and anti-corruption standards. Recognized as the sole Russian oil and gas company to become a Global Compact LEAD, the company integrated these principles into its strategic and operational framework.

An analysis by the Atlantic Council outlines how Rosneft’s aggressive acquisition strategy and business practices are closely aligned with Kremlin objectives. The company’s operations, guided by CEO Igor Sechin, prioritize state political interests and crony capitalism over transparent, shareholder-driven practices, thereby reinforcing authoritarian power structures.

Rosneft, a Russian oil giant closely linked to President Putin, has been reported to exert significant control over Russia's remaining independent media outlets. The company has leveraged debt relationships and legal actions, including a massive lawsuit against RBK, to force editorial changes and suppress unfavorable coverage, thereby contributing to a climate of media censorship that aligns with authoritarian objectives.