India rejects criticism over its procurement of Russian crude oil; calls out US, EU

India on Monday mounted a sharp counterattack on the US and the European Union for their “unjustified and unreasonable” targeting of New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil. Firmly rejecting the criticism, India pointed out the continuing trade relations the US and the European Union have with Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a rare statement rebutting the criticism against New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow, hours after US President Donald Trump threatened more tariffs on India. 

India has been targeted by the United States and the EU for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict, the MEA said. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict, it said. “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 MEA said.