The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to international criticism regarding India’s decision to import oil from Russia, firmly defending its actions. The MEA stated that these imports are crucial for ensuring predictable and affordable energy costs for Indian consumers. This response comes after President Trump criticized India for purchasing Russian oil and potentially reselling it for profit, threatening to raise tariffs. The MEA highlighted that India’s approach is driven by national interest and market realities, emphasizing the need to secure its economic interests. The MEA’s statement also noted that the criticism is unjustified, especially considering that some of the nations criticizing India are themselves engaged in substantial trade with Russia. They also pointed out that the EU’s trade volume with Russia significantly surpasses India’s, with the EU importing large amounts of LNG from Russia.
