India Responds to NATO Chief’s Warning on Russia Trade

Energy Security is Paramount: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the nation’s overriding priority is to secure the energy needs of its people. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified during a press briefing that India’s choices are “guided by what is on offer in the markets, and by prevailing global circumstances”.

Warning Against 'Double Standards': India explicitly cautioned against any double standards, pointing out that several Western and NATO countries remain significant importers of Russian energy, despite their vocal support for sanctions. India argued that it would not accept criticism or threats while others continue similar trade practices for their own benefit.

Diversification of Energy Sources: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that India has expanded its energy import partners from 27 to about 40 countries, demonstrating resilience and strategic foresight should Russian supplies be interrupted due to sanctions.

“Securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavour, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets, and by the prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.”

NATO chief Mark Rutte, during a visit to Washington, warned that countries like India, China, and Brazil could face "100% secondary sanctions" if they do not curtail trade with Russia and push for peace talks on Ukraine. He called on these nations to directly urge Moscow to seek a negotiated settlement.

These warnings coincided with statements from US President Donald Trump about the potential for severe tariffs on international partners of Russia if a peace deal is not reached soon.

India’s Stance on External Pressure

India has made clear that external threats or geopolitical pressure will not dictate its energy strategy. The government insists its decisions will continue to be based on national interest, market availability, and the realities of a complex global energy market.

Context: International Double Standards

Indian officials and commentators have noted that many European and NATO countries remain among the largest importers of Russian oil and gas, undermining the consistency and credibility of calls for secondary sanctions on countries like India.

The EU’s stated plan to phase out Russian energy by 2027–28 contrasts sharply with its current dependence, a fact regularly cited by Indian diplomats to highlight perceived Western hypocrisy.

India has rejected the NATO chief’s warnings, reiterating its right to make sovereign decisions on energy security. The response underscores India’s expectation of fair and consistent global standards, as well as its determination to pursue economic and strategic autonomy in a turbulent international environment.