India Slams US & EU for Hypocrisy Over Russian Oil Imports, Cites National Interest and Western Trade Ties with Moscow

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India has strongly rebuked the United States and the European Union for criticizing its oil imports from Russia, calling the remarks "unfair and hypocritical." Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India began purchasing oil from Russia only after traditional suppliers diverted resources toward Europe following the Ukraine crisis.

He added that the move was crucial to maintaining affordable and stable energy access for Indian citizens. Interestingly, Jaiswal pointed out that the U.S. itself had encouraged India to buy Russian oil at that time to support global market stability. He further exposed the double standards of the West, stating that nations criticizing India are themselves engaging in extensive trade with Russia without any geopolitical constraints. As per MEA data, the EU and Russia conducted goods trade worth €67.5 billion in 2024 and €17.2 billion in services trade in 2023. The EU even imported a record 16.5 million tonnes of Russian LNG in 2024, higher than its 2022 levels. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to import key materials from Russia, including uranium hexafluoride for nuclear plants, palladium for EVs, and a wide range of fertilizers and chemicals.

Responding to the criticism, India reiterated that it will always prioritize its national interests and energy security. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also echoed this sentiment, stating on social media that India should not bow to "irritable foreign leaders." External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for a fair and multipolar global order, stating that the world must no longer be ruled by a few dominant powers.