The Ministry of External Affairs of India has addressed the critiques from the US and the EU concerning India's oil purchases from Russia, labeling them as unfounded. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that attacking India reveals not only a misjudgment but also the inconsistency between the actions and words of these countries. He explained that India had no choice but to begin importing oil from Russia when traditional suppliers redirected their supplies to Europe following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. The US itself had encouraged India to take such measures to help stabilize the global energy market. Jaiswal clarified that these imports are essential to ensure affordable and stable energy for Indian consumers. It's not an option, but a necessity dictated by global market dynamics. MEA expressed surprise that countries criticizing India are themselves engaging in trade with Russia, even though it's not a national necessity for them.
Read More: 'Heavy Tariffs on India for Buying Russian Oil', Trump's Latest Threat
The EU Continues Russian Trade
India presented data showing that in 2024 alone, the EU and Russia engaged in goods trade valued at 67.5 billion euros, with services trade reaching 17.2 billion euros in 2023—far exceeding the total trade between India and Russia for that year. In 2024, the EU imported 16.5 million tons of LNG (liquefied natural gas) from Russia, surpassing the previous record of 15.21 million tons in 2022.
US Trade with Russia Unveiled
The MEA spokesperson noted that trade between Europe and Russia extends beyond energy, encompassing fertilizers, mineral products, chemicals, iron-steel, machinery, and transport equipment. Similarly, India highlighted that the US imports uranium hexafluoride for nuclear energy, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia.
India's Clear Stance
The Ministry firmly stated that targeting India is unjust and unwarranted. As a major economy, India will always take necessary actions to protect its national interests and economic security.
Trump's Tariff Threat
Prior to India's statement, Trump had asserted that India was not only purchasing large quantities of oil from Russia but was also making significant profits by selling much of it in the international market. He expressed disregard for the impact of Russia's war machine on human lives in Ukraine, prompting him to announce a steep increase in tariffs imposed by India on US goods.
