India has lashed out at the United States and European Union, accusing them of applying double standards over their criticism of New Delhi’s trade relations with Russia. As Western nations pressure India to cut energy ties with Moscow, India is calling out what it sees as blatant hypocrisy.
Highlights:
- India slams Western criticism of its Russian oil imports as “unjustified and unreasonable”
- EU and US continue multi-billion-dollar trade with Russia, including LNG and uranium
- Trump threatens 25% tariffs on Indian goods over continued Russian oil purchases
- India vows to protect its economic interests and maintain energy security
Main Story:
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly rebuked the US and EU for criticizing its energy ties with Russia, calling their stance “unjustified and unreasonable.” The ministry emphasized that while Western nations lecture India on its oil imports, they themselves continue robust trade with Moscow especially in energy and key raw materials.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal pointed out that the EU imported over 16.5 million tonnes of Russian LNG in 2024, while the US still buys uranium and other industrial commodities from Russia. “The criticism is selective and self-serving,” he noted.
The diplomatic spat intensified after former US President Donald Trump threatened to impose up to 25% tariffs on Indian exports if the country doesn’t reduce its Russian oil imports. India brushed off the warning, insisting that its energy choices are guided by national interest and economic needs, not geopolitical pressure.
“The same nations criticizing us are actively engaged in business with Russia,” said Jaiswal. “We will not compromise our energy security or affordability for political optics.”
India maintains that its relationship with Russia is longstanding and strategic particularly in defense, energy, and trade. With many traditional oil suppliers shifting their focus to European markets, India argues that continuing trade with Russia is both logical and necessary.
India also rejected recent EU-led sanctions targeting Nayara Energy, a company partly owned by Russian interests, framing them as examples of double standards and an infringement on economic sovereignty.
As the global power play over Russia continues, India’s firm stand signals a shift where strategic autonomy speaks louder than diplomatic pressure.
