India Defends Oil Imports from Russia Amid Western Criticism

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) staunchly defended India's decision to import oil from Russia, despite receiving criticism from the United States and European Union. The MEA asserted that the imports are necessary to maintain stable and affordable energy for India.

This criticism, termed as 'unjustified and unreasonable' by the MEA, led to a statement emphasizing that India's energy strategy is both a sovereign decision and a response to shifting market dynamics. The disruptions in traditional supply chains due to the Ukraine conflict, according to the MEA, necessitated India's increased reliance on Russian oil.

The MEA underscored that while India faces criticism, Western nations engage in significantly larger trade with Russia. President Trump criticized India's oil imports and threatened increased tariffs, yet the MEA pointed out that similar trades by Western nations lack the same level of necessity that drives India's policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)