The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a firm statement rejecting criticism from the United States and the European Union on 5 August 2025 over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Labelling these remarks as “unjustified and unreasonable,” the MEA accused Western nations of applying double standards in global trade. India clarified that this decision to import discounted Russian crude came in response to the Ukraine conflict, during which traditional suppliers redirected oil flows towards Europe. At that time, the U.S. itself had encouraged India to make such purchases to stabilise global markets, which makes the current backlash appear hypocritical.
India’s Response to Western Claims
The MEA stressed that these imports are essential for maintaining affordable fuel prices for Indian consumers and are based on economic necessity, not geopolitical alignment. India further added that nations criticising it, particularly the U.S. and EU, continue to trade extensively with Russia. In 2024, the EU’s trade in goods with Russia stood at 67.5 billion Euros, and its services trade reached 17.2 billion Euros in 2023. These figures far surpass India’s trade volume with Russia.
Statement by Official Spokesperson⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/O2hJTOZBby pic.twitter.com/RTQ2beJC0W— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 4, 2025
The U.S. remains a significant importer of Russian commodities like uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilisers, and chemicals, hiding its own continued reliance on Russian supply chains. India concluded its statement by reaffirming its sovereign right to craft energy policies rooted in national interest and economic security. It rejected attempts to single out the country, calling them unfair and misleading within the broader realities of international trade.