Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly defended the country’s continued import of oil from Russia, dismissing criticism from the United States and the European Union as “unjustified and unreasonable.” Responding to concerns raised over energy trade since the Ukraine conflict, the MEA clarified that India’s oil imports are driven by the need to ensure affordable and stable energy access for its population amid a volatile global market. The ministry noted that traditional suppliers had diverted exports to Europe after the conflict began, and at that time, the U.S. had actively encouraged India to import Russian oil to help stabilize global energy markets.
Highlighting perceived double standards, the MEA pointed out that both the U.S. and EU continue extensive trade with Russia, which includes vital goods like LNG, fertilizers, chemicals, and metals. In 2024, EU trade with Russia in goods reached €67.5 billion, with services adding another €17.2 billion. LNG imports by Europe hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to import Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, and fertilizers. The MEA emphasized that, unlike India’s trade based on national necessity, such Western trade is not a vital compulsion. “In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” the ministry stated, reaffirming that India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests and economic security.
