India has strongly reacted to growing Western pressure over its continued imports of Russian crude oil, after a controversial US Congressional bill proposed a 500% tariff on oil imports from countries that purchase from Russia. This development, followed by sharp remarks from NATO Secretary General, has triggered a stern diplomatic response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

In a statement released late on Thursday, the MEA criticised the West’s ‘selective morality and double standards’, highlighting that European Union countries themselves continue to import Russian energy products, even while pressuring Asian and developing countries to stop.

The Trigger: US Congress Bill and NATO Remarks

A new bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives proposes a 500% duty on petroleum imports from any nation continuing to purchase Russian oil, gas, or refined products. The bill, though not yet law, has sent shockwaves across major economies like India, China, and Brazil, which are among Russia’s largest energy customers.

Soon after, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a warning in Brussels, naming India, China, and Brazil directly. He claimed that “these countries are helping finance Russia’s war machine” by continuing commercial ties. He said that such actions could lead to “consequences” in future NATO trade and diplomatic alignments.

India’s Strong Rebuttal: Energy Security Is Non-Negotiable

India was quick to issue a diplomatic response. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a carefully worded but pointed statement, said:

“India will always act in the interest of its energy security and economic sovereignty. Attempts to penalise developing countries while turning a blind eye to similar behaviour by Western nations reeks of hypocrisy and geopolitics.”

India reiterated that Russian oil constitutes a cost-effective and stable energy source, and that the EU has purchased Russian LNG worth billions even in 2024, while India imports at discounted rates under bilateral arrangements.

“Sanctions that hurt the Global South while sparing the West are neither credible nor sustainable,” an MEA official told reporters under condition of anonymity.

India’s Russian Oil Trade in Context

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, India’s import of Russian crude oil has surged dramatically, reaching about 1.7 million barrels per day in 2024, making Russia India’s top supplier. This shift came after Western nations imposed sanctions and redirected their own Russian oil imports via third parties, including Turkey and Central Asia.

While G7 and EU countries imposed caps and restrictions, they have simultaneously increased purchases of Russian LNG and refined products, often through intermediaries — a fact India points out as clear proof of double standards.

Strategic Autonomy and Non-Aligned Diplomacy

India’s foreign policy remains anchored in strategic autonomy, and its officials have repeatedly stated that India is not aligned with any bloc in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has consistently voted abstain on resolutions at the United Nations, while calling for peaceful dialogue and diplomacy.

Speaking at a think tank event in Delhi earlier this month, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said:

“We will not be dictated to. Our decisions are driven by our national interest, not global peer pressure. Energy security is a legitimate concern, especially for a country with 1.4 billion people.”

China, Brazil, and Global South Also Targeted

India is not the only nation reacting to the U.S. and NATO posture. China, which imports both crude and gas from Russia, has termed the Western narrative as “desperate”, pointing out that Western economies benefitted for decades from cheap Russian energy.

Brazil, which has increased imports of Russian fertilizers and oil, also voiced concerns through diplomatic backchannels, according to Brazilian media. Experts say that Washington’s bill and NATO’s rhetoric could further alienate the Global South, especially in BRICS+ forums.

Critics Slam Western Hypocrisy

Energy analysts and former diplomats in India argue that the U.S. bill is unlikely to pass the Senate in its current form, but the intent signals geopolitical pressure ahead of the 2025 U.S. presidential elections.

“It’s election-season posturing aimed at looking tough on Russia, but it drags neutral countries like India into the crossfire,” said retired diplomat T.P. Saran.

Critics further argue that Europe continues to depend on Russian LNG and that Russian crude is being laundered via third countries before reaching Western ports.

India's Economic Stake and the Oil Equation

India imports over 85% of its oil needs, and discounted Russian crude helped reduce its trade deficit and control domestic inflation during global oil shocks. Additionally, Indian refiners re-export refined products to the West, ironically including to countries that are imposing sanctions.

India’s public sector oil majors have long-term deals with Russian suppliers, and private refiners such as Reliance and Nayara have made significant profits by leveraging Russian supplies.

Conclusion: India Holds Its Ground

India’s firm stance shows that it will not yield to pressure from Western alliances when it comes to energy security and national interest. As the Global South reclaims economic space, India’s voice is becoming more assertive.

By calling out the double standards, India has positioned itself not only as an independent actor but also as a voice for developing countries being pushed into difficult choices by larger geopolitical games.

As the world enters a phase of new energy diplomacy, India’s message is clear — sovereignty and fairness must be respected.

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