India has pushed back strongly against new criticism from the United States and the European Union over its continued oil trade with Russia. The backlash follows remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil and threatened to impose new sanctions. In response, the country’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp statement defending its energy purchases as essential for national stability and calling out what it described as Western “double standards”.
India Rejects Trump’s Accusations Over Russian Oil Imports
India firmly denied the accusation that it is misusing its access to Russian oil. According to the MEA, the nation’s oil imports are not meant for resale or profit but are a necessary step to ensure affordable energy for Indian households and industries. The government explained that the global energy market has been highly unstable since the start of the Ukraine conflict, forcing countries to explore all possible sources to maintain fuel security.
The MEA also pointed out that the United States itself had supported India’s decision to purchase oil from Russia during the initial months of the war. This was done to help stabilize global energy prices as Europe redirected its usual oil imports to meet increased internal demand. India says it has acted transparently and in line with its national interest.
Western Imports from Russia Draw Criticism
India did not hold back in highlighting the ongoing trade between Western nations and Russia. The MEA accused both the US and the EU of continuing significant trade with Moscow, even though they face no urgent energy crisis like India does.
The ministry revealed that the United States still imports vital commodities from Russia, including uranium hexafluoride for nuclear power, palladium for electric vehicles, and large amounts of fertilisers and chemicals. These are not considered critical to basic consumer needs, unlike oil in India’s case.
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The European Union was also called out for its trade numbers. India’s foreign ministry shared that the EU’s bilateral trade in goods with Russia was worth €67.5 billion in 2024. On top of that, services trade amounted to €17.2 billion in 2023. The EU also recorded record liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia—16.5 million tonnes in 2024, which was more than any previous year, even surpassing 2022.
The MEA argued that this shows a clear inconsistency. While the West blames India, it continues its own high-volume trade with Russia, without facing the same scrutiny or pressure.
National Interests Emphasized Amid External Criticism
India made it clear that it will not be pressured into compromising on national interests. Calling the criticism “unjustified and unreasonable,” the MEA said that affordable and reliable energy is not a luxury but a lifeline for over a billion people in the country.
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The ministry emphasized that any rise in energy prices would directly impact millions of Indians, especially those in lower-income groups. It said that securing oil at affordable prices is necessary to maintain economic stability, protect livelihoods, and ensure consistent supply across sectors like transport, agriculture, and manufacturing.
New Delhi also criticized what it sees as a pattern of double standards from Western nations. While India is being accused of doing business with Russia out of necessity, the US and EU continue to engage in similar or larger trade volumes without any national urgency.
The MEA concluded its statement by stressing that India will take all needed steps to protect its economic and energy security. The country will continue to act in its best interests and not be swayed by selective criticism or political pressure from the West.