India Rejects U.S., EU Criticism Over Energy Trade with Russia
(MENAFN) India has strongly rejected criticism from the United States and the European Union regarding its continued energy trade with Russia, insisting it will “safeguard national interests.”
The rebuttal came Monday, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a steep 25% tariff on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of leveraging discounted Russian oil to turn a profit through resale.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs defended its energy strategy, explaining that it began sourcing oil from Russia after traditional suppliers redirected exports to Europe following the Ukraine conflict.
“The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets’ stability,” the ministry stated, directly responding to the new trade penalties imposed by Washington.
The ministry stressed that India’s oil imports from Russia are dictated by pressing national requirements, stating that such purchases “are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation.”
It also accused Western nations of hypocrisy, highlighting that several of those now criticizing India continue their own commercial ties with Moscow. “Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” the ministry said.
Pointing to official figures, New Delhi noted that the EU engaged in €67.5 billion (approximately $78 billion) worth of goods trade with Russia last year. Meanwhile, the U.S. still imports key Russian resources such as uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicles, fertilizers, and various chemicals.
Asserting its right to act independently, the ministry concluded: “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
Last year, Russian oil accounted for between 35% and 40% of India’s total crude imports.
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