India has firmly rejected criticism from the United States and the European Union (EU) over its oil imports from Russia, describing the remarks as “unjustified and unreasonable,” particularly given the West’s own continued and significant trade engagements with Moscow.
Responding to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening sharp tariff hikes on Russian oil transactions, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India’s decision to source discounted crude from Russia came after the Ukraine war disrupted global energy markets.
Traditional suppliers shifted their exports towards Europe, prompting India to secure alternative sources. At the time, Washington had even backed India’s move, viewing it as a contribution to stabilising global energy prices.
Energy Tied To ‘Necessity’
The ministry underscored that India’s energy purchases from Russia are driven by national necessity, aimed at ensuring affordable and reliable fuel access for its population.
“India’s imports are intended to provide predictable and affordable energy to Indian consumers. These are not optional luxuries but necessary responses to international market dynamics. It is ironic that the very countries criticising India continue their own economic engagements with Russia — trade that, unlike India’s, cannot be defended as a pressing national requirement,” the statement read.
Illustrating the imbalance in such criticism, the ministry pointed out that the European Union conducted bilateral trade worth €67.5 billion in goods with Russia in 2024 alone, along with an additional €17.2 billion in services trade in 2023.
The bloc’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing its previous peak of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022. India’s overall trade volume with Russia remains substantially lower by comparison.
The ministry also noted that the United States continues to import critical commodities from Russia, including uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicle manufacturing, and various fertilisers and chemicals.
Indian officials reiterated that the country, as a responsible global actor, would continue to make decisions rooted in its national interest and economic security.
New Delhi has consistently asserted that its foreign policy — including its approach to energy cooperation — is independent, pragmatic, and guided by the need to navigate volatile global markets effectively.
(With inputs from IBNS)
