India’s Firm Response to US and EU Pressure: “Oil Imports from Russia Are a National Necessity; Criticism Is Hypocritical”
India has strongly responded to U.S. and EU pressure to stop importing Russian oil, calling the criticism hypocritical and unjustified. Citing national interest and energy security, India defended its continued oil trade with Russia, pointing out that both the U.S. and EU maintain significant trade relations with Moscow. The statement came after former U.S. President Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Indian imports.
India’s Firm Response to US and EU Pressure: “Oil Imports from Russia Are a National Necessity; Criticism Is Hypocritical”
After facing threats of high tariffs if it doesn’t stop importing oil from Russia, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong statement asserting that India’s decision is based solely on national interest and energy security. In response to criticism from the United States and the European Union, India said, “This criticism is not only unfair but also reflects a double standard.”
🛢 War and Market Reality
According to the statement, after the onset of the war in Ukraine, the direction of energy supply from Western countries changed, and India was compelled to increase imports from Russia to fill the gap. At that time, the United States welcomed India's decision, seeing it as a contribution to maintaining global energy market stability.
🔍 “Those who criticize us are Russia’s major trade partners themselves”
The Indian MEA noted that in 2024, the European Union's bilateral trade with Russia reached €67.5 billion, and service-sector trade was €17.2 billion — far greater than India’s overall trade volume with Russia. Not only oil, but Europe also heavily imports LNG, fertilizers, minerals, chemicals, machinery, and transport equipment from Russia.
🇺🇸 Is the United States Any Different?
India further pointed out that the U.S. itself imports uranium, palladium, fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia, which seriously undermines the moral basis of their criticism.
🛡 “India takes decisions based on national interest; external pressure will not be accepted”
The Ministry firmly stated:
“India will take all necessary steps to protect its national interest and economic security. While other countries conduct trade with Russia for profit, India does so out of necessity.”
💰 Tariff Threats and India’s Stance
Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports, in retaliation for India’s continued oil trade with Russia. In response, India released this statement. Economic analysts in India suggest that while the direct impact of the tariffs may be limited, this move could escalate geopolitical tensions.
