NEW DELHI: In response to the European Union’s criticism of India’s oil purchases from Russia, the Indian government on Friday referenced US President Donald Trump’s recent comments, urging the EU not to adopt double standards on energy imports from Russia.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell had previously pointed out that India’s continued oil procurement from Russia remained a contentious issue, particularly as both sides aim to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. Borrell emphasized that the India-EU partnership goes beyond trade and focuses on defending a rules-based international order. However, EU officials have ruled out imposing tariffs or sanctions on India over its Russian crude imports.
Responding to the EU’s remarks, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “On the EU’s comments regarding Russian oil, I’d like to draw attention to statements made by leaders, including President Trump, urging NATO, G7, and EU countries to halt energy imports from Russia. There can’t be any double standards on this matter.”
Trump and his aides have recently criticized European nations for continuing to buy Russian energy. “China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil — but inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy,” Trump said in his UNGA address earlier this week.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also accused European countries of financing a war against themselves. “The most perverse part is that India is buying discounted Russian oil, and guess where refined products are going? They are going back to Europe,” he said.
