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MEA Defends India’s Oil Imports from Russia Amid Western Criticism

ByAjay Gulia

On 4 August 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended India’s continued oil imports from Russia, calling U.S. and EU criticism unjustified and unreasonable.

India clarified that it began importing more oil from Russia only after traditional supplies were diverted to Europe due to the Ukraine conflict. The MEA emphasized that such imports are necessary for national interest and affordable energy for Indian consumers.

The MEA highlighted Western hypocrisy, noting that:

  • The U.S. still imports uranium, palladium, fertilizers, and other goods from Russia.
  • The EU had trade worth €67.5 billion in goods and €17.2 billion in services with Russia in 2024.
  • European LNG imports from Russia hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing previous years.

India asserted that its trade is a strategic compulsion, while others trade despite sanctions, undermining their own criticism.

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