India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday defended the country’s decision to continue importing oil from Russia. This response came after strong criticism from the United States and the European Union.

The MEA explained that these imports are driven by need. India wants to make sure energy remains affordable and predictable for its citizens. Officials stressed that buying oil from Russia is part of a larger strategy to maintain energy security.

India calls out unfair criticism

In its official statement, the MEA said that the criticism from the West is not fair. “The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the ministry said.

India clarified that the Ukraine war disrupted global oil supplies. As a result, traditional sources redirected oil towards Europe. That’s when India started purchasing crude oil from Russia.

“The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy market stability,” the statement added.

India saves money, Russia finds a new market

India quickly became a major buyer of Russian oil. This gave Moscow a new market after its European buyers cut ties due to the war. At the same time, India saved billions of dollars by securing cheaper oil deals.

While this trade helped India reduce energy costs, it also brought financial support to Russia during a global boycott.

MEA accuses West of hypocrisy

India also pointed out that Western countries accusing India of helping Russia are themselves involved in large-scale trade with Moscow.

The MEA revealed that the European Union had a trade worth EUR 67.5 billion in goods and EUR 17.2 billion in services with Russia in 2023. In 2024, the EU imported 16.5 million tonnes of LNG (liquefied natural gas) from Russia, setting a new record.

The ministry further added, “Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals.”

India stands firm on energy policy

According to the MEA, India's energy policy focuses on security and affordability. To ensure stable supply, the country has diversified its sources and now relies more on countries like Russia.

“India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by the global market situation,” the MEA stated.

It also added that countries blaming India have no such urgent energy needs, yet they still trade with Russia. “However, it is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” it said.

Tariff hike expected soon

This sharp response came after US President Donald Trump accused India of reselling Russian oil for profit. In a post on his platform Truth Social, he wrote, “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits.”

He further warned, “Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA.”

Trump did not give an exact figure, but officials expect the current 10 percent tariff on Indian goods to increase to 25 percent by Thursday.

EU, UK push new pressure on Russia

Meanwhile, both the European Union and the United Kingdom have recently taken steps to tighten economic pressure on Russia. They aim to weaken Russia’s oil revenues by cutting the price cap on key energy exports, hoping it will push Moscow closer to ending the war.