New Delhi [India], July 17 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday strongly responded to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s warning about secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, affirming that India’s priority remains securing its energy needs, guided by market availability and global circumstances.
At a press briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate — securing the energy needs of our people is, understandably, an overriding priority for us. In this endeavour, we are guided by what is available in the markets, as well as by the prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.”
Rutte, in recent remarks, warned India, China, and Brazil to reconsider oil purchases from Russia or risk facing “100 per cent secondary sanctions.” His comments echoed US President Donald Trump’s earlier threat of steep tariffs on countries continuing trade with Russia, as well as calls from US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal to pass the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which seeks punitive tariffs of up to 500 per cent against countries deemed to be aiding Russia’s economy.
“My encouragement to these three countries, particularly, is that if you live now in Beijing or in Delhi, or you are the President of Brazil, you might want to take a look at this because this might hit you very hard,” Rutte said, urging India and others to press Russian President Vladimir Putin toward serious peace talks with Ukraine.
Earlier in the day, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted that India has significantly diversified its crude oil imports to mitigate risks. “India has diversified the sources of supplies from 27 to 40 countries now. Sixteen per cent of oil market growth has come from India, and studies show it may go up to 25 per cent,” Puri said at an event in New Delhi.
On progress in trade talks with the European Union, Jaiswal added, “The talks are progressing very well. The last round, which is the 12th round, happened in Brussels from 7–11 July. The next round of talks is scheduled in September in New Delhi. Both sides want this FTA to be concluded within this year, so it is progressing well, there is good momentum.”
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Croatia in June, leaders from both sides had underscored the importance of concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement within 2025, reaffirming commitments made during the EU College of Commissioners’ visit to India earlier this year.
The MEA’s statement underlines India’s consistent position that its energy policy decisions are based on national interest, while rejecting external pressures that apply selectively. (ANI)
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