"Caution Against Double Standards": India On NATO's Russia Trade Warning
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday responded to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) chief Mark Rutte's remarks on possible sanctions over India's trade with Russia, cautioning against "double standards".
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India's Ministry of External Affairs Responds to NATO Chief's Sanctions Warning
On Thursday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs addressed remarks made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding potential sanctions on countries trading with Russia, emphasizing the need to avoid "double standards" in such matters.
During the weekly media briefing in Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We are monitoring the reports on this subject and closely following developments. I must reiterate that ensuring energy security for our population remains an understandable top priority for us."
Jaiswal further elaborated on India's position, noting, "In pursuing this goal, we are guided by market availability and current global circumstances. We particularly urge against applying any double standards on this issue."
VIDEO | MEA press briefing: Responding to NATO Chief Mark Rutte's comments, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) says, "We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing energy needs of our people is understandably… pic.twitter.com/RmZWHpMGE1
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 17, 2025
The response comes after Rutte warned on Wednesday that countries including Brazil, China, and India could face severe consequences through secondary sanctions if they continued commercial relations with Russia.
Rutte made these remarks during a meeting with US senators. Previously, US President Donald Trump had announced new weapons support for Ukraine and threatened 100% tariffs on nations purchasing Russian exports unless peace negotiations conclude within 50 days.
"I would encourage these three countries, especially if you're currently in Beijing, Delhi, or you're Brazil's president, to carefully consider this situation, as it could severely impact you," Rutte told reporters.
"I urge you to contact Vladimir Putin and push him toward serious peace negotiations, because otherwise, this will have massive negative consequences for Brazil, India, and China," Rutte added.
Despite these warnings, European and NATO members themselves remain significant purchasers of Russian energy. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, the EU has been the largest buyer of Russian LNG and pipeline gas since 2022, while Turkey, a NATO member, leads in purchases of Russian oil products. The EU has proposed plans to phase out Russian oil imports by 2027 and natural gas by January 2028.
Also on Thursday, India's Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed confidence that India could secure oil requirements through "alternative sources" if Russian supplies were affected by secondary sanctions.
"I'm not concerned at all. If something occurs, we'll address it. India has diversified its supply sources, increasing from approximately 27 countries to about 40 countries now," Puri remarked, according to Reuters.