After the Russia-Ukraine War, when the energy crisis around the world deepened, India increased oil imports from Russia to ensure cheap and stable energy supply. The US and European union criticized India on this, but those countries themselves are not behind in trade from Russia.
Dual policy of America and Europe
The US and the European Union have repeatedly questioned India’s oil imports from Russia. But the truth is that after the Russia-Ukraine War, Europe stopped getting oil from traditional suppliers and that oil started getting to India. In this situation, the US itself encouraged India to import oil so that the global energy market remains stable.
India is not compelled, oil imports are needed
This decision of India was completely inspired by the need to ensure cheap and reliable energy for consumers. This was not a political step, but a compulsion arising out of global market conditions. At the same time, the countries who are criticizing India, are doing business from Russia themselves.
Europe is doing a large scale trade from Russia
In 2024, bilateral trade of goods between the European Union and Russia reached 67.5 billion euros. In addition, in 2023, the business of services was estimated at 17.2 billion euros. This is many times more than India-Russia trade. In 2024, Europe imported 16.5 million tonnes of LNG (liquefied natural gas) from Russia, which crossed the previous record of 2022 to 15.21 million tonnes. European trade also includes fertilizer, mining products, chemicals, iron-steel and machinery in addition to energy.
America is not even behind
America is also continuously trade with Russia. It is importing uranium hexaphloride for its nuclear industry, paladium for electric vehicle industry, fertilizer and chemicals. In such a situation, targeting India is not only inappropriate, but also shows global hypocrisy.
India will not compromise on its interests
India is a big economy and it will take every necessary steps for its national interests and economic security. Countries that target India should first look at their own policies and figures.