India accuses US, EU of double standards

August 5, 2025 (MLN): India has pushed back strongly against criticism from the United States and the European Union over its continued oil imports from Russia, calling such objections unjustified.

In a briefing issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Government stated that its energy trade with Russia began only after traditional suppliers redirected shipments to Europe following the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

At that time, the United States had reportedly encouraged Indian purchases to help stabilize the global energy market.

The Ministry emphasized that India’s energy imports are driven by a need to ensure predictable and affordable energy prices for its population. “They are a necessity compelled by the global market situation,” the Minister said.

It was further highlighted what they described as hypocrisy on the part of Western nations.

The Ministry pointed out that the very countries criticizing India continue to maintain significant trade ties with Russia despite not facing the same economic compulsions.

Furthermore, the Indian Government noted that the European Union recorded bilateral trade worth €67.5 billion in goods with Russia in 2024, along with services trade of approximately €17.2bn in 2023 which far exceeds India’s total trade volume with Russia during the same period.

The statement also emphasized that Europe’s imports from Russia include not only energy but also fertilizers, chemicals, mining products, iron and steel, and transport equipment.

In 2024 alone, EU imports of Russian LNG reached a record 16.5 million tonnes surpassing the previous high of 15.21m tonnes in 2022.

The United States, according to the Ministry, continues to import key Russian commodities including uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicles, fertilizers, and other chemicals.

“In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the Government stated.

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