New Delhi, May 12 -- At first, the legal battle between Nayara Energy Ltd-the Indian refiner backed by Russia's Rosneft-and SAP India appeared to be a conventional contract dispute.

However, it quickly raised larger questions around foreign sanctions, India's technological dependence on multinational software providers, and whether global geopolitical developments could disrupt critical infrastructure operations within the country.

After Justice Vikas Mahajan heard both parties, the court recorded its judgement on 30 April.

Mint explains the case and why it matters.

What is the issue?

The dispute started in July 2025, when SAP India Pvt Ltd suspended all critical software support services including SAP ECC support (maintenance for it...