New Delhi | August 4, 2025-The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong rebuttal to criticism from the United States and the European Union over India’s oil imports from Russia, calling such targeting “unjustified and unreasonable.” In an official statement released today, India defended its energy trade practices, emphasizing that its imports are driven by national necessity and global market dynamics.
Imports Driven by Global Necessity
According to the MEA, India began increasing oil imports from Russia only after traditional suppliers redirected their exports to Europe following the Ukraine conflict. At that time, the United States actively encouraged India to engage in such purchases to help stabilize the global energy market.
“India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by the global market situation,” the statement noted.
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Critics Trade More with Russia Than India Does
The MEA highlighted what it described as hypocrisy on the part of Western nations. The statement pointed out that the very countries now questioning India’s trade with Russia continue to engage in extensive economic exchanges with Moscow—far exceeding India’s own trade volume.
The European Union, for example, recorded €67.5 billion in goods trade with Russia in 2024, along with €17.2 billion in services trade in 2023. Additionally, EU imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Russia reached a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing the previous high of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022.
Europe’s trade with Russia also extends beyond energy, encompassing fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and transport and machinery equipment.
U.S. Imports from Russia Continue
The statement further noted that the United States continues to import several critical commodities from Russia, including uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear energy sector, palladium for its electric vehicle industry, and fertilizers and chemicals vital to agriculture and manufacturing.
Unlike India’s case, the MEA pointed out, these imports are not based on national compulsion or economic vulnerability.
India Prioritizes National Interest
In conclusion, the MEA reaffirmed India’s right to make sovereign economic decisions in its national interest.
“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 statement concluded.
The statement reflects India’s growing assertiveness in defending its foreign trade policies and underlines the country’s commitment to prioritizing affordable energy access and long-term economic stability, particularly in a volatile global environment.